May the Verse Be With You: Still re-imagining the bard after 400 years

Shakespeare created timeless tales and had a great sense of humor so we think that he would appreciate these irreverent and inventive retellings of his work--and you will too.

William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher

This Quirk Books series for young adults does a clever job of retelling George Lucas' Star Wars films in the style of Shakespeare. Check out the Bard's version of the opening crawl:

YOLO Juliet

Part of the OMG Shakespeare series, YOLO Juliet is Romeo and Juliet adapted for modern teens. Its characters text with emojis, check in places, and update their relationship statuses. You'll LOL over how well the Bard translates into modern life.

The Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore

A comic send-up of Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe, The Serpent of Venice features Pocket (the hero of Fool) in a mashup of Othello, Merchant of Venice, and The Cask of Amontillado. Fans of Edgar and William rejoice...or wince.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

A reimagined Hamlet set in the North Woods of Wisconsin in the 70s. Edgar, mute and speaking only in sign, is forced from his family home to survive in the wilderness.


Celebrate all things Shakespeare throughout April at RPL! Check the calendar for event and program information.