Michael Morpurgo has unveiled his plan for a new book in which he will retell the works of Shakespeare in modern language for 6 to 16-year-olds.
In an interview with The Times, Michael Morpurgo said that the book will use modern images and language like gangs and drugs to re-set Shakespeare’s plays in a more relatable context.
He intends to blend his own words in with Shakespeare’s – it seems his intention isn’t to re-write the greats, but to bring them up to date to make them more accessible.
The War Horse author stated that he expects the project will be ‘controversial’, likening it to retelling Bible stories, which often draw criticism. He said, however: “I do not give a monkey’s. If people don’t like it, they don’t like it. What I am sure of is it needs doing.”
He thinks it will be a great way to get younger children into something that can feel inaccessible and creating a lasting love of Shakespeare. We can’t wait!