> > 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.

Maybe, but it's got a "things that make you go 'huh?'" moment all the same, courtesy of some comedian I saw on TV a long time ago. He was wondering how come West Side Story has a white kid running through a neighborhood of Puerto Ricans, yelling "MARIA!!!" ...and only one girl comes to the window?

;-)

Iss "don't ask...just don't ask" achar