Apart from the words that Shakespeare introduced, the lines used in his plays also became famous. Some of them became well known enough that they were adapted by different cultures and different media. The most famous line is the soliloquy from Hamlet: “To be, or not to be: that is the question.” The meaning of the line in the play is showing self-conflict whether to commit suicide or not; however, it differs in other adaptations and the way people actually use them. Most people tend to use it when they are in a conflicting situation as to whether they should do something or not, or in situations for comedies, but not in a particular depressing grave moment as Hamlet was in.
As for the stories and plots that Shakespeare created, they have been adapted and remade several times. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, there are 410 feature-length films and TV versions that are based on his plays. The play Romeo and Juliet has been used more than 50 times on screen, and the most famous setting is the balcony scene where Romeo and Juliet are calling out to each other.
In Shakespeare’s homeland, England, every region did something special to commemorate the death of their great dramatist. One of the events was “The Complete Walk” that was organized by The Globe Theatre, the reconstruction of the theatre that Shakespeare had once partially owned. It took place in London Central on April 23 to 24. It started from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge which is a 2.5 mile route and 37 specially made 10 minute films were screened along the whole rode which explored Shakespeare’s plays.
In America, Chicago is famous for its Shakespeare Theatre, and they are performing special events for the special anniversary. This year, the theatre put on stage Othello: The Remix, a Chicago Shakespeare production of the play Othello. They also have a list of plays such as a short play of Romeo & Juliet, a production of The Winter’s Tale, and Love Labor’s Lost.
Other countries contributed through their own events in remembering William Shakespeare. In Egypt, they staged Shakespearean dramas in Alexandria from April 23rd to 27th. In India, Shakespeare’s short plays were performed at the British Council in Delhi on April 23. In Jordan, English students used Macbeth to improve their command of the language. The SNS were inundated with the numerous contents on Shakespeare all over the globe on April 23.
Since the beginning of the year 2016, Korea has been actively preparing for the commemoration of Shakespeare. Meanwhile, the British Council, which is UK’s international organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations, launched the program “Shakespeare Lives in 2016” all around the world. People worldwide, including Koreans, have been working on Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary.
