Revise a scene from Hamlet in a way that brings it "up to date."
Role
You are a young writer seeking to break into the screen-writing world.
Audience
Your target audience consists of producers at a film company that is looking to offer a "new" version of Hamlet,
one that is more modern and appeals to a more contemporary audience. Thus, your audience also includes
that more contemporary audience.
Situation
Several of Shakespeare's plays have been updated and made into modern productions. Ten Things I Hate
About You is an adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew. She's the Man is an adaptation of Twelfth Night. The
production company you hope to impress has invited aspiring screenwriters to submit an updated opening
scene for Hamlet--i.e., the appearance of the ghost.
Product or Performance
You'll need to study that scene carefully, and then imagine a similar situation as it might occur today. Some key
aspects of the scene include the fact that apparition encourages someone to "set it right." The thing that must
be set right need not be a murder. In fact, the "crime" doesn't have to be serious. However, you must follow the
outline of the opening scene of Hamlet. You must also use as much of Shakespeare's style of language as
possible. Not iambic pentameter, necessarily, but at least the diction that Shakespeare used. (Thee, thou,
maketh, etc.)
Standards for Success
The scene is reproduced in a satisfactory manner, following the plot outline as much as possible, but
incorporating a more modern situation.
The main character is charged with exacting some form of retribution.
The language used closely mirrors Shakespeare's language.
Before you submit your finished scene, be sure to study the rubric to see how you will be graded.
Sample Solution