Introduction
Much Ado About Nothing is a timeless classic by William Shakespeare that has entertained audiences for centuries. The play is a comedy that explores themes of love, jealousy, and deception, which are still relevant to audiences today. However, the setting of the play, a small town in Italy, may seem a bit dated to modern audiences, as it is different from a relatable setting. To make the play more accessible to a broader audience, it is proposed to transport the main characters, events, and themes to a modern high school setting. This setting would be familiar to modern audiences and allow them to connect with the characters and themes in a way they might not be able to with the original setting. By updating the setting and making the characters and situations more relatable, the play’s themes will be able to resonate with a modern audience.
Summary
The high school setting provides a perfect backdrop for the play’s love, deception, and scandal themes. The high school is a microcosm of society, complete with cliques, rumors, and rivalries, much like the society depicted in the original play. The play’s main characters, Maria and Marco, are the popular and charismatic senior class president and vice president, respectively, just like Beatrice and Benedick in the original play (Shakespeare, “Much Ado About Nothing”). They are known for their witty banter and constant teasing, but neither admits to having feelings for the other.
The high school is home to two pairs of young lovers: Roberto and Gianna, the star athlete and the head cheerleader, and Sofia and Angelo, the school’s resident gossip and her sidekick. Roberto and Gianna’s relationship is the picture of innocence, just like Claudio and Hero’s in the original play (Shakespeare, “Much Ado About Nothing”). They are a popular and well-respected couple, admired by their peers for their talents and achievements. Roberto is the football team’s captain, Gianna is the head cheerleader, and they are seen as the epitome of high school romance.
However, Sofia and Angelo’s relationship is different. They are known for their constant bickering and jealousy, much like Margaret and Borachio’s in the original play (Shakespeare, “Much Ado About Nothing”). Sofia is the school’s resident gossip, always spreading rumors and causing drama, while Angelo is her helper, always eager to please her and join in on her schemes. Their relationship is filled with jealousy and deceit as they constantly attempt to outdo each other and sabotage their rivals. This contrast between the two couples highlights the different types of relationships in high school and the different dynamics that can play out.
As in the original play, Roberto is misled by Angelo and Stefano into believing that Gianna is unfaithful to him, leading to a dramatic confrontation at the school’s prom. However, in this modern setting, the confrontation occurs on social media, with Roberto publicly accusing Gianna of infidelity on Instagram. The power of social media in today’s world amplifies the situation, causing the rumors to spread quickly and reach a wider audience. Gianna is humiliated, and her reputation is tarnished as her classmates, friends, and strangers see and share the accusations. Based on false information, Roberto’s accusations cause a rift in their relationship, and Gianna has to fight to restore her reputation. This modern twist on the confrontation scene highlights the dangers of jumping to conclusions and the power of social media in shaping public opinion, which is relatable to a modern audience. The play demonstrates the importance of communication and trusts in relationships and how easily rumors and deceit damage them.
Meanwhile, Maria and Luigi continue to engage in their playful banter, but their true feelings for each other become increasingly apparent. They eventually confess their love for each other in front of the school at the prom after Gianna’s innocence is cleared, and Roberto apologizes. The themes of innocence, jealousy, gossip, and behavior are portrayed in a way that rings true to a modern audience. The use of social media and the high school setting brings a fresh perspective to the play, making it more relatable and accessible to a new generation of audiences.
In this new, modern high school setting, Much Ado About Nothing is a story of young love, jealousy, and betrayal, with a happy ending that would satisfy a modern audience. The play’s themes are as relevant as ever, and the characters are relatable and believable. By updating the names and situations but staying true to the overall themes and ideas, it can be ensured that this classic play continues to be enjoyed for generations, as it will be more relatable to modern audiences.
Conclusion
In summary, Much Ado About Nothing is a timeless comedic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. It can reach new and diverse audiences by adapting the main characters, events, and themes to a contemporary high school setting. The modernized version of the play delves into themes of youthful romance, envy, and deception, all while providing a satisfying conclusion that resonates with current audiences. By preserving the core themes and concepts while updating the specifics, the play can continue to be cherished for generations.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. “Much Ado About Nothing.” Project Gutenberg, Web.