(Marcia Williams’s article appeared in the Guardian, 3/16.)
If you think Shakespeare isn’t for you, you’re wrong! When I was young, I was brought up to believe that Shakespeare was difficult and belonged to academics and those who could afford expensive theatre tickets. The first time I went to see a Shakespeare play, my teacher made it into such a big deal that I was literally sick with nerves on the theatre floor!
After that it was years before I wanted to let Shakespeare into my life again – what a waste. For the generation before me, it was even worse – many girls were not permitted to read Shakespeare at all. Only well-educated boys were allowed peeks into Shakespeare’s world; he was considered far too rich a feast for girls. This was outrageous and entirely wrong, yet some people still think that Shakespeare is too difficult for young people. Please don’t listen to them. Claim your right to Shakespeare!