The idea of reading a play may seem oxymoronic, however, there are several plays that are equally enjoyable whether watching them performed on stage or reading them like a novel. Here is a list of five plays that wield the power of enlightening either a stage or a book page.
Visiting Ancient Greece
1. Electra, by Sophocles, follows on the complex happenings of Agamemnon’s family. After Agamemnon is murdered, Orestes plans on taking vengeance but as the plot unfold his plans cave in on him and his sister, Electra, is the one who has to search for a way to find the revenge the family feels they are due.
Why read it? When most people think of Greek playwrights perhaps Sophocles comes to mind, and rightfully so. But it is typically Oedipus Rex and its sequels that are associated with the most famous of Greek playwrights. Despite this, Electra is perhaps a more enjoyable play to read as Sophocles reaches a new depth with familiar characters; the play also has very rich dialogue. Other plays by Sophocles that you may find interesting if Electra proves to be good entertainment are, Philoctetes, Ajax, and The Women of Trachis.
Shakespeare and His Rival
2. Hamlet, penned by William Shakespeare, is often considered to be the pinnacle of the written English language. The play follows young Prince Hamlet who is visited by the ghost of his murdered father and told to avenge his death. To disguise his plan, Hamlet feigns insanity and weeds out his father’s killer.
Why read it? The story is fast passed with some of the most memorable and enjoyable characters in all of theatre. Prince Hamlet fills the play with witty dialogue and some of the most famous lines ever written by Shakespeare including the “To be or not to be...” soliloquy. If you don’t have time read it, watch the 1996 film directed by Kenneth Branagh who also plays Prince Hamlet, along side Julie Christie, Judi Dench, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Charlton Heston, Derek Jacobi, Rufus Sewell, and Kate Winslet.
3. Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe, tells the story of a brilliant but imprudent doctor who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for the power to perform black magic and for limitless knowledge. Though he attains these things he remains as unfulfilled as he was before his misguided barter, but is too proud to repent.
Why read it? Marlowe is often overlooked as he lies in Shakespeare’s shadow. However, he was also a marvelous playwright and Doctor Faustus is filled with excellent dialogue and a strong moral message demonstrating the pitfalls of giving up a righteous life. It also gives good insight into the changing society during the shift from medieval Europe to the modern world.
Modern Plays
4. The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde is a delightful play with a twisting, turning plot that is far easier for the audience to follow than the characters of the play. The story follows two friends who are both in love but who have given their lovers the wrong identities. The Importance of Being Earnest is a play on words as it highlights the value of honesty and the significance of a name.
Why read it? Perhaps the best play to emerge from Victorian England it is a witty satire filled with quick dialogue and outstanding characters. After reading the play, watch the 2002 film adaptation directed by Oliver Parker and starring Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, Reese Witherspoon, and Judi Dench. The film does a good job of interpreting the humor and pace of the play.
5. Waiting for Godot, part of the theatre of the absurd, was skillfully penned by Samuel Beckett. The story highlights the lives of two men secluded on a roadside waiting for someone called Godot. Though the men wait, they both realize that if they saw Godot, they probably wouldn’t recognize him. While the pair waits, they discuss a variety of issues to pass the time including redemption and they wonder if when Godot arrives they will be ‘saved.’
Why read it? The play is vague in many of its meanings yet deals with a wide scope of thought including religious and philosophical dialogue. The characters in the play are all at once humorous and deeply mournful and one cannot help but sympathize with the feelings of hopelessness of despair that loom over the play. The deeper meanings of the play are open for interpretation as much of the greatness of the play lies in its ambiguity.
Not all plays are suitable to be read (and not all plays are suitable to be performed either), but between Sophocles, Shakespeare, Marlowe, Wilde, and Beckett, there is bound to be something that can be enjoyed if you prefer to see it on stage or read it from a book.
Theodore Haddad - Theodore's education and long time interests in the arts have led him toward both fiction and non-fiction writing. He is currently working ...
