Things not to do next time you direct Shakespeare

A recommended link of the day on one of my mailing lists: Things I Will Not Do when Directing Shakespeare list:

2. I will not cast anyone who can accurately be called a "teen idol" simply to draw in the trendy set.

3. I will not put the cast in Victorian costumes for want of a better idea.

4. I will not imply that Hamlet is sleeping with his mother, or wants to.

. . .

13. Richard II's minions will not be made to wear pink.

. . .

26. I will not cut important scenes simply because I do not like them.

27. If I am running an annual Shakespeare festival, I will acknowledge that there are plays beyond A Midsummer Night's Dream and Twelfth Night.

. . .

40. Titania should not be portrayed as a dominatrix.

. . .

53. Actors should be told that these are characters interacting with each other, not people reciting lines. They should be hurt if they forget that.

. . .

68. I will not aim for realism in my fight choreography when both armies together only number about ten people. Especially if I have a big stage.

69. Richard III will not be portrayed as a whiny little prat who couldn't seduce or murder his way out of a wet paper bag.

. . .

88. I will not portray Mercutio as a speed addict and Tybalt as his dealer. I will try to do the world a favour and cease from modernising Romeo and Juliet.

I've been involved in fight choreography for Shakespearian productions, and I was laughing out loud through most of this list . . . which continues down to item 359!

Hat tip to Marna Nightingale for posting the original URL.