Application Quote by Gregory Doran
“Sometimes the parallels that are brought in can make the play seem less relevant; you can deny a play's application to the universal by making it too specific. Sometimes having a modern context does make things easier to grasp; sometimes, you go, "Why have they got swords?" "Why didn't Juliet just text Romeo? Why did she bother posting a letter? Why was the Milan post service so bad?" It throws up irrelevant questions that don't help.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussion on modern adaptations, theatre, 2021
The quote warns that over‑specific modern details can distract from a play’s universal themes, making it feel irrelevant.
In simple terms: Too much modern detail can obscure timeless meaning.
Key Takeaway
Balance relevance with universality.
Themes
theatre
adaptation
relevance
interpretation
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- directing a Shakespeare play
- teaching drama
- writing a modern script
- producing a stage show
Key Concepts
modernization
contextual relevance
audience engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you modernize without losing the original’s essence?
- What details enhance rather than distract?
A Different Perspective
If modern elements dominate, the core story may be lost.
![“[Romeo + Juliet] is relevant when Hamlet and all of that was out, when [William] Shakespeare wrote it. It's relevant now. It's not a shocker, but then it is. I guess so because I'm in it, so it's shocking that it's still on TV. People are still talking about it. Hey, I'm still getting royalty…” quote by Quindon Tarver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5b3/quindon-tarver-26055_checks_romeo-juliet-is-relevant-when-hamlet-and_1083521.jpg)
![“The story of the movie [Romeo + Juliet] is timeless. It's relevant then.” quote by Quindon Tarver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/266/quindon-tarver-26055_juliet_the-story-of-the-movie-romeo-juliet-is-t_1038824.jpg)
