MithLuin wrote:I'd say the more popular plays, around here, are: Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, Midsummer Night's Dream, Julius Cesear, Merchant of Venice, Taming of the Shrew, etc. The only reason we read Henry V is because it is one of the more 'managable' histories - it doesn't have 3 parts.

Mmh, yes, my first Shakespeare seminar at Uni covered the 'five big tragedies', i.e. Hamlet, Macbeth, Lear, Othello, Romeo and Juliet. Midsummer Night's Dream is popular because it's really the most hilarious and at the same time the richest of the comedies (although I feel that the idea of "Elves" has in recent years become more of a problem - wonder why that is

Basically, plays that are in praise of the statesmenship or war-exploits of some historical figure don't stand much of a chance here, unless they offer a handle to undermine such a reading. Plays that deal with the corruptability, weakness and ultimate failure of human endeavours are more food for the stage.
Plays like Henry V or Taming of the Shrew become popular periodically when there's a movie made from them.

I think theatres, though, are always looking for lesser known plays in order to be able to surprise the audience. You'll get the famous plays in some weirdo adaptation, but you have a better chance to get the unknown ones straight. That way I've been able to see "Titus Andronicus" performed twice, and really well done, too.

I would guess Portia in Merchent of Venice, before they disguise themselves as men. (What was it with Shakespeare and naming the women all Portia?)
But is there a "Captain" in Merchant of Venice?
And the rest doesn't really fit the storyline, either, does it?

So, Iris is right as portia confirmed - but I'd have asked her who the speaker is!


(Ok, I got one without naming the speaker, too, recently.

I just thought the "sister" thing was really confusing - made me think it was Sebastian, but it turned out that the Duke is referring to Olivia and calling her 'sister' metaphorically.

I just like reading your conversation.
Thanks, Iris!

I'm always a bit worried I comment too much for a trivia thread, but I just love talking about Shakespeare, so I'm glad to hear you enjoy reading the conversation, too.
