Why Shakespearean Retellings?

Kids often ask why we need to read Shakespeare in the classroom, and my answer is simple. His writings are the foundations for most of what we read and write today. He followed a five act structure that is now what we teach as a plot diagram (Fraytag). This archetype is time tested and proven to work. He also told stories with motifs that apply today. Greed. Love. Lust. Jealousy. Envy. Gluttony. Wrath. Pride. Sloth. Other than love, these are the seven deadly sins that drive humanity. He fights them with the seven heavenly virtues – chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility. These qualities have been around since the beginning of time, and Shakespeare definitely understood how to utilize them in his storytelling. This is something we can all learn from.

Through his teachings, I’m drawn to pass his messages along through retelling his stories in a way teenagers can directly relate. This is what inspired me to retell Julius Caesar, and the truth is that I absolutely love that play. I taught it for over ten years five times a day to tenth graders. I imagined getting bored, but the writing and story are masterful. For a long time, I said, “I want to write a modern Caesar.” And last year I did. BACKSTABBER is the story of Brit Junius and Jules Chamberlain at Rome High School. Jules is thirsty to become ASB President, no matter who she destroys. Brit is her best friend and loves her, but she loves Rome more. She wants all of the students at Rome to have the best high school experience ever. Seduced by Cassidy, Brit decides to conspire against her best friend to take her down. None of it works out the way anyone planned. They all end up losing in the end. I loved the process of turning this into a female led story and including the online pressures kids have today. It was incredible once I was able to incorporate cyber bullying, depression, suicide, manipulation, lies, etc. into this story.

Now, I’m starting a modern Othello, also set in a high school with cheerleaders. I, once again, love the process of figuring out how to apply a classic to a new story. I’m excited to teach the play this fall, so my thought process, moving into this project, is that if I can retell the story, I can teach the original that much better.

After Othello I want to do some more…like Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing. My hopes/dreams are that one day my books could be used as accompaniments in the classroom. This would be amazing, but first I must find representation for Backstabber.

I know this is going to take patience, but I hope to find someone who loves my work as much as I do. I know there is so much more work ahead of me, but I’m ready. Bring it on!