Changing the Classics: Original vs. Contemporary Interpretations
In the three disciplines and forms of performing arts- acting, dancing and singing, there are very significant historical playwrights, choreographers and composers that have had a great impact on theatre in this country and around the world. An example for each discipline would include:
William Shakespeare: the Elizabethan playwright of works such as ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Othello’ and ‘Macbeth
Marius Petipa: the 1800′s ballet choreographer of works such as ‘The Nutcracker’, “Coppelia’ and ‘Swan Lake’
Rodgers and Hammerstein: the 1940′s and 50′s composers of works such as ‘South Pacific’, ‘Carousel’ and ‘The Sound of Music’
William Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ VS Frantic Assembly’s ‘Othello’
The original performance conditions of ‘Othello’ used thrust staging with a very minimalistic set. One of these features was a canopy above the stage, with stars and the moon painted upon it, to represent heaven and hell- death and tragedy are key themes in Othello, so this would have been very symbolic for this piece. Other key features of the set include a bed and the balconies above the stage, which were used by characters such as Iago to look out to the audience as monologues were performed.
Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ is set in the city of Venice and on a military base in Cyprus. In Frantic Assembly’s ‘Othello’, the action takes place in a pub during the 2000′s. The set for this adaptation replaces Desdemona’s eventual death bed with a spinning pool table, which characters are lifted over and onto to show shifts in power. Traditional military costume is replaced with tracksuits, and the war violence in the original piece translates well into the rowdy setting of the local boozer. Although little of the text is altered, northern accents are used to further emphasise the rough and ready setting. Overall I feel this is a fantastic adaptation, and proves that classics can be changed and given a new lease of life.
Marius Petipa’s ‘Swan Lake’ VS. Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’
‘Swan Lake’ is a truly iconic ballet across the world. Odette, a pure girl trapped in the body of a swan, wishes to be free. She comes close to her dream being discovered in the form of the handsome Prince Siegfried, but at the last moment, her evil twin Odile seduces him away from her. Heartbroken and helpless, Odette kills herself and finds peace and freedom in heaven.
Pepita’s original version of the piece is very linear and follows this naturalistic storyline. The choreography also uses the traditional ballet technique, with male and female ballerinas in their corresponding gender roles. The traditional tutus and pointe shoes are worn.
In stark contrast, Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’ uses an all male ensemble of swans. Whether the piece is classified as ‘ballet’ or not is greatly disputed, as a more contemporary style of dance is performed. The production itself, in some ways, mocks the generalised balletic forms and is much more playful and comedic, the swans pecking the ground, for example. The ensemble of swans are topless, exploring themes of male sexuality and exposure. Overall I feel that this adaptation is very clever and effective.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The Sound of Music’ VS. ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’
Although not a direct comparison, I feel that ‘The Sound of Music’ is very much the epitome of what us as audience members class as a traditional piece of musical theatre, while ‘Showstopper!’ breaks the mould.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The Sound of Music’ I feel is a classic example of traditional musical theatre. It is very much a family orientated piece, uses a traditional music score. The piece has a clear beginning, middle and ending, and is very much a linear, naturalistic piece as it follows the story of Maria, a nun, becoming a governess to Captain Von Trapp’s children and earning their respect. It features very elaborate staging, costume and special effects.
On the other end of the spectrum, ‘Showstopper!’ is a completely improvised piece of musical theatre. Because of this, the piece does not have as much of a linear, naturalistic storyline, and I feel this makes it more of an abstract piece- the storyline and main ideas of the piece change with every performance. Minimalistic staging, costume and effects are used in this piece, with the focus being on the actors themselves.
Overall, I feel that exploring how the classics in the theatre world can be changed and adapted to fit with the moving of time was very interesting and helped to shape my understanding of theatre.













