Modern Adaptations

 Twelfth Night is one of the most beloved and known of Shakespeare's comedies and it should be no surprise that there have been plenty of modern adaptations of it. First being produced at the beginning of the seventeenth century, the bard's most beloved comedy is still being built upon hundreds of years later. These adaptations are not beholden to just being a straight play like the original, there are some much loved musicals and films taking inspiration from Twelfth Night as well.

The most recent adaptation is the full length musical of the same name from 2018 created by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub, with the music also by Taub. The music is what makes the show different than just a basic retelling, since it is described as an "original jazz-funk score." Time called it one of the best theatrical productions in all of 2018 (concordtheatricals). 


The musical was originally performed free of charge with Shakespeare in the Park with The Public Theater at the Delacorte Theater - an outdoor theater in New York City's Central Park. New York Times theater critic Ben Brantley entitled his article about the musical "In a Blissful Musical ‘Twelfth Night’ in Central Park, Song Is Empathy" (Brantley). That is saying something too since Brantley explained the showing he saw was drenched by rain - but the cast did not miss a beat and was still able to succeed in getting the message of Viola across. 

Other adaptations within the twenty-first century that are worth mentioning include the 2006 film She's The Man featuring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum wherein Bynes's character - Viola (of course) disguises herself as her twin when he leaves his boarding school. A complicated love triangle/web ensures as in the original play while Viola is being seen as the star soccer player - her brother. (rottentomatoes). 


Lastly, a straight play adaptation worth mentioning is Duncan Pflaster's Malvolio's Revenge. As of writing this blog Pflaster's work has had a 2019 reading with Turn to Flesh Productions out of New York City, a company dedicated to creating adaptations of Shakespeare (turntoflesh). Pflaster describes his play as "a sequel," taking the ending of the play and running with it. Calling it a "queer take on the Happily Ever After [sic] ending of the original play,." (duncanpflaster). Which is interesting to note since a lot of reactions to Twelfth Night as written is that there already are some underlying tones of queer attraction. 


Hopefully more takes on this great comedy are created in the near future!




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