Even though we have now entered the 21st century, my play Romeo & Juliet is still very popular. However, I have to admit that it is not my favorite work. Being an earlier example of my writing, it is not as good as it could be. A writer is never content with a work the way it is, I suppose. I did enjoy the poetic language that I used in the play, and the balcony scene is still a favorite. Will Kempe enjoyed playing the nurse -- he was quite the ham.
I am quite surprised to see so many different film and stage productions of my play out there nowadays. The most recent film version, 1996, starring Claire Danes and Leonardo Dicaprio (captured here in the cartoon) is quite interesting. The loud music and the interesting interpretations of the characters are quite intriguing to say the least. Mercutio is presented in a way I certainly didn't imagine.
The stage version, West Side Story, is also an interesting modern adaptation of
R & J. I do like how they use the modern language -- although it is probably considered out dated now.
It is also incredible to see the many paintings, drawings, music and ballets based on this play as well. |
