I honestly believe a modern adaptation of the Merchant of Venice would be a great hit in China. Instead of the traditional Shylock, which in my opinion represents something both archaic and anti-Semitic, the role can be changed to suit Chinese audiences -- think about it, a scrupulous moneylender from Henan who deals in China's shadow banking industry. That's something Chinese audiences can identify with. Macbeth is another play that can be modified, perhaps not a modern adaptation, but one that's set during China's dynastic periods. My point is: The humanistic qualities of Shakespeare are timeless and universal, but the settings of his plays aren't. Without a relatable context, things will be lost in translation (even with Chinese subtitles provided).
Shakespeare Lives Brings Shakespeare to China Throughout 2016
In celebration of Shakespeare's achievements on the 400th anniversary of his death, the British Council and British Embassy are bringing his best works to Chinese audiences through the Shakespeare Lives campaign. The first of these events comes after Spring Festival, and is sure to draw a huge crowd.
The campaign includes the following events in Beijing:
February 18-21: Royal Shakespeare Company present: King and Country tour
From February 18 to 21, the Royal Shakespeare Company will bring Henry IV and Henry V to Beijing audiences. Get your tickets on Damai soon as these dates are sure to sell out. Prices range from RMB 180-680.
April: Go Make You Ready
The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, one of the world's leading drama schools and conservatories, bring their multi-disciplinary interpretation of Shakespeare's sonnets. Dates TBC, tickets are not yet on sale.
July: Halle Orchestra present: The Music of Shakespeare
Halle Orchestra, Britain's longest-established professional symphony, presents a series of concerts based on the music from Shakespeare's works, featuring Chinese cellist Jian Wang. Dates TBC, tickets are not yet on sale.
September: Shakespeare's Globe present: The Merchant of Venice
Shakespeare's Globe present their acclaimed production of The Merchant of Venice with double Olivier and Tony award winner Jonathan Price in the role of the moneylender Shylock. Dates TBC, tickets are not yet on sale.
Shakespeare Lives has, in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company, also created a pack to encourage teachers and students to engage with the key issues, themes, and ideas in Shakespeare's plays. The pack will be available for download online in March. To read more about the above events and the campaign in general, check out the official website.
If you want to learn more about Shakespeare yourself, you can also sign up for a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) anytime this year. Click here for more information about the MOOC.
More stories by this author here.
Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
Instagram: s.xuagram
Photo: NCPA
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