Shakespeare in Modern Day - How Shakespeare’s Plays Continue to Impact Writers to this Day

by: Ana Laura Macchiarella

Everyone, at some point during school or in their life, will or has read one of Shakespeare’s plays. He was a pioneer in the theater, creating many of the popular tropes and common sayings still in use now. Today, on what would’ve been his 460th birthday, let’s take a look at how Shakespeare has inspired playwrights and movie makers alike.

Theater that references, rewrites, and is inspired by Shakespeare’s works:

& Juliet

Imagine Romeo and Juliet, but Juliet doesn’t die: that's the plot of this 2023 musical. In a creative reimagining of this classic tragedy, written by David West Read, Juliet Capulet is given a new lease on life through a fresh coming of age retelling of the classic tale. Her story is told through a soundtrack filled with pop songs from Britney Spears to Bon Jovi, booming with 1990’s and early 2000’s influences all throughout. This musical most definitely succeeds at rewriting Shakespeare’s play, while still maintaining a balance between the authentic story and a new spin.

Westside Story

When people think of musicals based on Shakespeare's work, West Side Story will probably be the first one to pop up in their minds. In this 1957 musical, Romeo and Juliet is given a 1950’s twist, with the Montagues and Capulets turning into the Jets and the Sharks. Told through a beautiful score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim and a book by Aurthur Laurents, this musical is the spitting image of Shakespeare’s play. This musical is a classic, just like Romeo and Juliet; and in my opinion, one of the best adaptations of the timeless love story.

Something Rotten

Something Rotten, which happens to be one of my favorite musicals, isn’t exactly a reimagining of Shakespeare’s works. Instead this 2016 musical follows the Bottom brothers, as they try to rival the works of the show’s villain: William Shakespeare. The role of Shakespeare, originated by Christian Borle, paints the playwright as a complete and total narcissist who will do anything to maintain his success. While this isn’t necessarily true, it makes for a very fun and interesting character. Although it’s not necessary, I’d recommend that you listen to Shakespeare’s two solos: Will Power and It’s Hard to be The Bard, which perfectly encapsulate his character.

Movies that parallel and are inspired by Shakespeare's plays:

Romeo + Juliet

The title of this movie speaks for itself. In this 1996 film, Baz Lurhmann brings the classic story of Romeo and Juliet into a world of gang rivalries and post-modern cities. While the core story of two star-crossed lovers from feuding families remains the same, this movie provides a contemporary twist to the everlasting love story.

10 Things I Hate About You

The 1999 rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You is one of the most well-known movies inspired by Shakespeare, with the plot directly parallelling Taming of the Shrew. In both works you have a situation in which a guy is in love with a girl, but said girl can’t be in a relationship until her older sister finds love herself. Then a plan is devised for another guy to charm the older sister, and antics ensue. This film absolutely succeeds in providing a new take on Shakespeare's classic play, creating a refreshing and interesting plot.

She’s the Man

She’s the Man is one of my favorite early 2000’s rom coms, and turns out it’s also based on one of Shakespeare’s works. This film’s plot puts a new take on the play Twelfth Night, also known as What You Will. Both plots are pretty straight forward; you have twin siblings named Viola and Sebastian, Viola has to disguise herself as a man, she becomes friends with a guy named Duke (in Twelfth Night’s case, a literal Duke), a love triangle ensues, and both stories end in Viola and Duke being together. All in all, this movie provides a really well done modernization of Shakespeare, maintaining the balance between the original plot and modern elements.