> > I haven't seen any literal translations of Shakespeare into modern English, but I think the
> > plots still stand up (look at West Side Story!).
>
> That's certainly true, and it's a testament to the timelessness of Shakespeare's work. I
> certainly have no objection to more creative Shakespeare derivatives than literal modern
> English translations. "West Side Story" is one of the greatest films made in its decade.

I've got to ask - how much *does* West Side Story borrow from Romeo and Juliet? (Spot the sad person who's never seen WSS.) Is it just the plot?

'Coz if so, it's a bad choice to illustrate the timelessness of Shakespeare's work - our Will nicked the plot off someone else...

Paul