NYTimes.com: The connection between Shakespeare and nuclear waste might seem tenuous, but Michael J. Sandel, the political philosopher, did his utmost to unite the two at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park on Monday night, assisted by readings given by the likes of Alan Alda, Vanessa Redgrave, Christine Baranski and Matt Damon.
2 comments:
Looking at money through Shakespeare opens up many more options and reaches a wider audience. Professor Sandel’s recollections of a time when ‘men were equal’ are as improbable as it is ironic that he chose to sell his book at the completion of the production. Even at the time of Shakespeare each commoner did not join the rich in the ‘Heavens’ of the Globe just as the Queen did not step foot in the ‘yard’. But maybe that is what the Professor is trying to say, that money has never not had an effect on societal circumstance. Each transaction we makes relays our social standing in some way and the way in which we conduct ourselves aids to represent that.
Before reading the article, I had never considered Shakespeare's commentary on money. I think that relating his works to money is a great way to introduce a wider audience to theatre, and to show them how relevant plays can be to real life. The professor insisted that Shakespeare understood the transformative power of money, and understood its negative effects using the example of Romeo and the apothecary. However, it is ironic, as the author of the article pointed out, that the professor chose to sell his book on morals and money, after discussing its negative effects.
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