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To the Editor:
In response to “Who’s Afraid of William Shakespeare?,” an opinion guest essay by Drew Lichtenberg (nytimes.com, Oct. 21): As a managing director at the nonprofit Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and a former professor specializing in Shakespeare, I empathize with the financial challenges faced by organizations like Mr. Lichtenberg’s that are dedicated to producing Shakespeare’s works. However, I find his assertion that “Shakespeare’s plays tend to be big and expensive” to be somewhat misleading, or at the very least, a limited perspective on the matter.
Throughout my experience, I have witnessed some of the most compelling Shakespeare productions arise from minimalistic approaches, characterized by tight budgets, simple sets, and basic costumes, where actors often take on multiple roles. These productions can deliver powerful performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
While I understand Mr. Lichtenberg’s argument, it inadvertently perpetuates the misconception that the only viable path to theatrical success — and attracting new audiences — is through lavish spending. If we wish to ensure Shakespeare’s legacy endures, we should not rely solely on high-profile Broadway spectacles, no matter how thrilling they may be. Instead, the future of Shakespeare lies in grassroots productions within schools, colleges, community parks, and even parking lots. These settings have the potential to introduce Shakespeare’s timeless characters and narratives to fresh audiences, allowing for new interpretations that breathe life into the stories that have captivated us for centuries.
— Daniel Blank, Philadelphia
To the Editor:
Recently, I happened to overhear a discussion among a group of young college students expressing their frustrations with the teaching of Shakespeare. They questioned whether anything he penned could possibly hold relevance in our fast-paced 21st-century world. This conversation reminded me of an insightful remark made by Dame Judi Dench on Britain’s “Graham Norton Show,” which has since been immortalized on YouTube:
“We quote Shakespeare all the time, perhaps without knowing it. You only have to go to those plays, and be in any kind of those situations — being in love, or being jealous, or being angry or being whatever. And you will find that there is a way of him summing up that is completely sufficient for what your emotion is.”
Her observations ring absolutely true. This intrinsic quality is what makes Shakespeare’s work so adaptable; it can easily be reshaped to comment on contemporary issues or ignite discussions, as we have witnessed repeatedly over the more than 400 years since these plays were first written. Shakespeare’s oeuvre serves as a profound exploration and interpretation of the human condition, offering insights into the very essence of living in our complex world.
