Once More unto the Breach : Kenneth Branaghs Shakespeare Adaptionen

Abstract

This Text deals with HENRY V, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, HAMLET and LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST written by William Shakespeare, adapted by Kenneth Branagh. In comparing the theatre productions involving Branagh as well as the previous adaptations of Shakespeare for the screen and TV it shows in which aspects Branagh followed the path of the traditional Shakespeare adaptation and how he treaded new paths.It is shown that many ideas are adopted, especially those from the theatre productions, which served as an inspiration and a testing site while the mistakes from the movies were avoided. IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER written by Kenneth Branagh tells a lot about Branagh s work on and thoughts about HAMLET. In realizing this project he dealt with his predecessors as well as himself.The introductory chapters provide an inside in the plot and the sources of Shakespeare s plays. The appendix offers information on the cast.