Shakespeare for Children

Shakespeare's most magical play in every sense - A Midsummer Night's Dream is probably the most impervious to (yet inviting of) tinkering. Jim Weiss' straightforward, thoughtful approach respects both the source and the audience, and it works perfectly. Weiss doesn't condescend but trusts young listeners to follow the plot's merry complications and draw their won morals. His Shrew is even better, taming none of the play's rowdy humour but also teasing out an intelligent interpretation that plausibly redeems this problematic comedy from charges of irredeemable sexism. With ample narrative animation and a judicious variety of accents and intonation, both of these retelling make good introductions to the Bard, using much of his won language but in easily understandable contexts. (Ages 8 and up)"

-American Library Association (Booklist)



"Both presentations are delightful: Mr. Weiss adroitly manages to preserve the rich flavour of the original Shakespearean play, while making the plot understandable and thoroughly enjoyable for kids. This, if you remember your Shakespeare, is no mean trick, given Will's predilection for enormous casts of characters and continued layers of subplots."

-Home Education Magazine (1996)



"Psst! Yorick, over here!…Heard any good tapes lately?" "Nah, been working graveyard." (Laugh here or look it up.) To buy or not to buy? That is the question regarding Jim Weiss' Shakespeare for Children, which includes The Taming of the Shrew and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Admittedly though an admirer of Shakespeare, I often wonder whether I truly understand the Complexities of the characters and the full meaning of his language. Good news Yorick! In this version even I get it.

These quality recordings can benefit both you and your children in a number of ways. It should, as good storytelling does, enhance your child's listening skills. Who among us doesn't need work on this skill and shouldn't we encourage it in our children? Jim Weiss is an excellent oral interpreter with a professional voice that will draw your child to listen to the story and hold his attention.

Another advantage is an introduction to Shakespeare. Maybe like me, when you think of The Taming of the Shrew you see Richard Burton as Petruchio and Elizabeth Taylor as Katarina brawling!! Hardly the appropriate rendition for children. Good news again Yorick! This is on their level and mine too. The plays are presented simply with no music or noises, just a good story you would enjoy hearing around the campfire. "Ay, but there's the rub"-no campfire? Build one and listen with your children…



So Yorick, turn off the television or radio and pop in a Jim Weiss recording for children. You'll like it too.