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Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue #1
Πάρκο Στράτφορντ - Ο θίασος του μεσονυχτίου παρουσιάζει Μακμπέθ
Από το οπισθόφυλλο:
Ο ζωολογικός κήπος του Στράτφορντ μοιάζει σαν όλους τους άλλους... Μέχρι να πέσει το σκοτάδι και να κλείσουν οι πύλες.
Τότε, τα ζώα βγαίνουν από τα κλουβιά και ερμηνεύουν στο σανίδι σαιξπηρικά αριστουργήματα! Δεν μιλάμε για τίποτα λαμπρούς ηθοποιούς· πάντως, έχουν καρδιά - όπως και δοντάρες, φτερά, λέπια, ουρές. Σ'αυτές τις μεταμεσονύχτιες παραστάσεις του Πάρκου Στράτφορντ, η ξεκαρδιστική πλοκή του Ίαν Λέντλερ συνδυάζεται τέλεια με τα πανέμορφα, εύγλωττα σκίτσα του Ζακ Τζιαλόνγκο. Ετοιμαστείτε ν'απολαύσετε τον Μακμπέθ, την πιο γνωστή σαιξπηρική τραγωδία, όπως δεν την είδατε ποτέ... Με γέλια, κέτσαπ και τάκος!
Ο ζωολογικός κήπος του Στράτφορντ μοιάζει σαν όλους τους άλλους... Μέχρι να πέσει το σκοτάδι και να κλείσουν οι πύλες.
Τότε, τα ζώα βγαίνουν από τα κλουβιά και ερμηνεύουν στο σανίδι σαιξπηρικά αριστουργήματα! Δεν μιλάμε για τίποτα λαμπρούς ηθοποιούς· πάντως, έχουν καρδιά - όπως και δοντάρες, φτερά, λέπια, ουρές. Σ'αυτές τις μεταμεσονύχτιες παραστάσεις του Πάρκου Στράτφορντ, η ξεκαρδιστική πλοκή του Ίαν Λέντλερ συνδυάζεται τέλεια με τα πανέμορφα, εύγλωττα σκίτσα του Ζακ Τζιαλόνγκο. Ετοιμαστείτε ν'απολαύσετε τον Μακμπέθ, την πιο γνωστή σαιξπηρική τραγωδία, όπως δεν την είδατε ποτέ... Με γέλια, κέτσαπ και τάκος!
84 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2014
8 people are currently reading
1048 people want to read
About the author
Ian Lendler
20 books39 followersIan Lendler is, first and foremost, a person. After that, the details get a bit sketchy. We’re pretty sure he has two arms and two legs. There are rumors of a third thumb, which you may laugh about now but let’s see what you think 1,000 years from now when evolution decides that three thumbs is way better because you can use can-openers more efficiently and hitchhike with aplomb and everyone will laugh about the old days when everyone was a “two-thumber.”
But I digress.
I am a writer. I grew up in Connecticut and NYC, but now I live near San Francisco, CA. My books are below. I sincerely hope you enjoy them. Thank you for visiting.
But I digress.
I am a writer. I grew up in Connecticut and NYC, but now I live near San Francisco, CA. My books are below. I sincerely hope you enjoy them. Thank you for visiting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
August 20, 2016
***Wanda’s Summer Carnival of Children’s Literature***
This is a very cute introduction to both the play Macbeth and to the theatre experience. Don’t go into it thinking that you’re going to get the dark, intellectual version of Macbeth—this is very much a kids’ version, but like any really good children’s book, there is an adult level in it too.
The pictures are every bit as much about the audience as about the play. The introductory plate has a fox who doesn’t want to sit beside a skunk and two rabbits who are disgruntled about sitting behind a giraffe. Adult theatre goers will recognize the problems of sitting behind tall people and sitting close to anyone drenched in aftershave/perfume. The artwork is wonderful—how do you make an elephant look sheepish and regretful, coming in at a crucial point in the play, trying to find his seat? (He interrupts the “brief candle” speech, which needed to be mentioned, but may not be to the taste of juvenile readers). Also brilliant is Macbeth’s companion, Banksy, depicted as a hyena in tartan, which must have been a blast to draw.
Two little monkeys in the audience debate issues like whether Macbeth is a good guy or a bad guy, how to understand poetry, and other theatre skills that kids may need someday (likely if their parents are buying them these graphic novels).
So, Macbeth is acted by the zoo’s lion—bored with all the food rewards for winning battles, he follows an intriguing new scent and is led to the weird sisters. There, he is tempted to eat the king in order to gain power. Eventually, his leopard wife nags him into action, and on the way down the hallway to consume the king, he has a vision—“Is this silverware I see before me?” He soon realizes that in order to avoid detection, he must eat Banksy as well. He receives the traditional assurances from the witches, no one with a mother will be able to depose you, the woods will have to move before you lose power. The zoo twists on these two stories are cute & understandable for children.
Zookeepers, like adults in most children’s literature, are clueless about what the animals are doing. All in all, if you have children who are able to read, I would recommend this graphic novel. If you are an adult, perhaps give it a pass unless you have children in your life—it is very much juvenile fiction.
This is a very cute introduction to both the play Macbeth and to the theatre experience. Don’t go into it thinking that you’re going to get the dark, intellectual version of Macbeth—this is very much a kids’ version, but like any really good children’s book, there is an adult level in it too.
The pictures are every bit as much about the audience as about the play. The introductory plate has a fox who doesn’t want to sit beside a skunk and two rabbits who are disgruntled about sitting behind a giraffe. Adult theatre goers will recognize the problems of sitting behind tall people and sitting close to anyone drenched in aftershave/perfume. The artwork is wonderful—how do you make an elephant look sheepish and regretful, coming in at a crucial point in the play, trying to find his seat? (He interrupts the “brief candle” speech, which needed to be mentioned, but may not be to the taste of juvenile readers). Also brilliant is Macbeth’s companion, Banksy, depicted as a hyena in tartan, which must have been a blast to draw.
Two little monkeys in the audience debate issues like whether Macbeth is a good guy or a bad guy, how to understand poetry, and other theatre skills that kids may need someday (likely if their parents are buying them these graphic novels).
So, Macbeth is acted by the zoo’s lion—bored with all the food rewards for winning battles, he follows an intriguing new scent and is led to the weird sisters. There, he is tempted to eat the king in order to gain power. Eventually, his leopard wife nags him into action, and on the way down the hallway to consume the king, he has a vision—“Is this silverware I see before me?” He soon realizes that in order to avoid detection, he must eat Banksy as well. He receives the traditional assurances from the witches, no one with a mother will be able to depose you, the woods will have to move before you lose power. The zoo twists on these two stories are cute & understandable for children.
Zookeepers, like adults in most children’s literature, are clueless about what the animals are doing. All in all, if you have children who are able to read, I would recommend this graphic novel. If you are an adult, perhaps give it a pass unless you have children in your life—it is very much juvenile fiction.
first-second-publications
September 24, 2014I think that Shakespeare is great!
With THE STRATFORD ZOO MIDNIGHT REVUE PRESENTS MACBETH, I'm so glad to have a new and different adaptation that shows kids just how fun and silly and exciting Shakespeare can be. I definitely remember my first school assignment reading Shakespeare (in middle school!) and being like, 'what the heck is up with this anachronistic language and behavior?'
Reading a book like this with kids is a much better introduction!
With THE STRATFORD ZOO MIDNIGHT REVUE PRESENTS MACBETH, I'm so glad to have a new and different adaptation that shows kids just how fun and silly and exciting Shakespeare can be. I definitely remember my first school assignment reading Shakespeare (in middle school!) and being like, 'what the heck is up with this anachronistic language and behavior?'
Reading a book like this with kids is a much better introduction!
January 2, 2015
The Zoo has closed for the evening, and the visitors head home to visions of animals in their dreams, the animals are gathering, for the Play is the thing. The Midnight revue has gathered to perform a grand production of Macbeth, for all to see. Macbeth the regal lion, brave warrior and hero of the realm is well loved by all. But his wife, Lady Macbeth dost wish for more and encourages him to eat the king, so that he may rule! Down this path madness does lie, but he does as she wishes for he loves her so. As more animals disappear to cover his crime and as Queen Macbeth descends into madness, new heroes arise and the tragic tale comes to an end.
One of the things that I struggled the most with in school was reading plays. Any play, but Shakespearean plays were always the worst. I had trouble figuring out which character was speaking, how scenes fit together, and words always got jumbled in my head. It was only when I discovered graphic novel adaptations of the plays did things really start to click for me, and after reading this adaptation I really wish I had, had this version to read! It captures the classic story well, but adds some additional humor and asides to the audiences that make the play even more fun. Ian has done a great job of adapting Macbeth so its enjoyable for all ages and making the characters into animals. Macduff is a noir detective stork. Lady Macduff is a cheetah, who can’t quite get the spots out. The witches try to help their colleague perfect her evil cackle (she tries everything else first...including a nice Santa laugh.) While Ian does tone down some of the darker aspects of the play, given that the book is for younger readers, he captures its essence and message perfectly.
I’ve been a huge fan of Zach Giallongo’s art since his previous First Second book, Broxo, and his illustrations in this book made me fall even more in love with his art. While Ian crafts the perfect words for his characters, Zach brings them to life, capturing their expressions and movements perfectly. Macbeth, a regal looking lion, moves with ease, but as he eats more and more animals, he begins to waddle and his belly extends and Zach captures it with ease. My favorite character though has to be Macduff the stork. Depicted in a trench coat and a fedora (I really wonder whose idea that was?) captures the essence of Macduff as a detective so well that I’m going to have a hard time imagining Macduff as anything else from now on. Zach should also be commended, along with Ian, for making the more violent acts of the play into something a bit more cartoony with squirting ketchup substituting for blood and well placed animals blocking the view when needed.
If you’re looking for a literary analysis or think that Shakespeare has no humor, please look elsewhere. On the other hand if you’re looking for something fun to introduce Shakespeare to younger readers, 5th grade and up, forge ahead! Older readers will enjoy the humor and new look at Macbeth as well. In fact, I think this book would work perfectly in a high school setting, helping students understand that Shakespeare does have humor to it, and that it can be fun and enjoyable to read. I give the book four out of five stars.
PS: I hear that a second volume is in the works, this time based upon Romeo and Juliet. I can’t wait!
Review copy provided by Gina at First Second
One of the things that I struggled the most with in school was reading plays. Any play, but Shakespearean plays were always the worst. I had trouble figuring out which character was speaking, how scenes fit together, and words always got jumbled in my head. It was only when I discovered graphic novel adaptations of the plays did things really start to click for me, and after reading this adaptation I really wish I had, had this version to read! It captures the classic story well, but adds some additional humor and asides to the audiences that make the play even more fun. Ian has done a great job of adapting Macbeth so its enjoyable for all ages and making the characters into animals. Macduff is a noir detective stork. Lady Macduff is a cheetah, who can’t quite get the spots out. The witches try to help their colleague perfect her evil cackle (she tries everything else first...including a nice Santa laugh.) While Ian does tone down some of the darker aspects of the play, given that the book is for younger readers, he captures its essence and message perfectly.
I’ve been a huge fan of Zach Giallongo’s art since his previous First Second book, Broxo, and his illustrations in this book made me fall even more in love with his art. While Ian crafts the perfect words for his characters, Zach brings them to life, capturing their expressions and movements perfectly. Macbeth, a regal looking lion, moves with ease, but as he eats more and more animals, he begins to waddle and his belly extends and Zach captures it with ease. My favorite character though has to be Macduff the stork. Depicted in a trench coat and a fedora (I really wonder whose idea that was?) captures the essence of Macduff as a detective so well that I’m going to have a hard time imagining Macduff as anything else from now on. Zach should also be commended, along with Ian, for making the more violent acts of the play into something a bit more cartoony with squirting ketchup substituting for blood and well placed animals blocking the view when needed.
If you’re looking for a literary analysis or think that Shakespeare has no humor, please look elsewhere. On the other hand if you’re looking for something fun to introduce Shakespeare to younger readers, 5th grade and up, forge ahead! Older readers will enjoy the humor and new look at Macbeth as well. In fact, I think this book would work perfectly in a high school setting, helping students understand that Shakespeare does have humor to it, and that it can be fun and enjoyable to read. I give the book four out of five stars.
PS: I hear that a second volume is in the works, this time based upon Romeo and Juliet. I can’t wait!
Review copy provided by Gina at First Second
September 30, 2014
At night, at the Stratford Zoo, the animals escape their enclosures - some put on a play, others watch. In THE STRATFORD ZOO MIDNIGHT REVUE PRESENTS MACBETH, a lion stars as a Macbeth who keeps eating his enemies and a lioness as a Lady Macbeth who has very stubborn laundry.
This kid-friendly retelling of Macbeth is vibrant and funny. Artist Zack Giallongo (BROXO) delivers bright art with creative use of panels and frequent side gags. Author Ian Lendler distills Macbeth to its essence and adds a bit of ketchup. The frame story, of the other animals reacting to the play, inject some humor to the tragedy, which is a great way to keep the younger audience interested.
Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's greatest plays and THE STRATFORD ZOO MIDNIGHT REVUE PRESENTS MACBETH does it plenty of justice, even if it is an irreverent take. All of the famous moments are translated, even though the page count is quite lean.
I thought THE STRATFORD ZOO MIDNIGHT REVUE PRESENTS MACBETH was absolutely hilarious and charming. I certainly hope it is the beginning of a series of graphic adaptations of Shakespeare. It's a crowded field, but this effort stands out.
This kid-friendly retelling of Macbeth is vibrant and funny. Artist Zack Giallongo (BROXO) delivers bright art with creative use of panels and frequent side gags. Author Ian Lendler distills Macbeth to its essence and adds a bit of ketchup. The frame story, of the other animals reacting to the play, inject some humor to the tragedy, which is a great way to keep the younger audience interested.
Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's greatest plays and THE STRATFORD ZOO MIDNIGHT REVUE PRESENTS MACBETH does it plenty of justice, even if it is an irreverent take. All of the famous moments are translated, even though the page count is quite lean.
I thought THE STRATFORD ZOO MIDNIGHT REVUE PRESENTS MACBETH was absolutely hilarious and charming. I certainly hope it is the beginning of a series of graphic adaptations of Shakespeare. It's a crowded field, but this effort stands out.
June 6, 2020
An OK-ish graphic novel about a group of zoo animals who perform a play of Macbeth in front of other zoo animals. At night of course. It was quite funny, but often I just was shaking my head. I get that for the play they couldn't eat the animals, but now it just was very distracting and not that funny after the second time. I can probably explain this better in Dutch. :P I wasn't a fan of the lion's wife and how she acted. And to be honest it was a bit boring at times. I did like that it took place at a zoo and the animals at the zoo did these things at night, though that makes the visitors wonder because all the animals are dead tired during the day. :P The art was OK. Not sure if I will continue this series though.
January 25, 2026
This was so fun!! I read it with my 7 year old and she was so enthralled with it. Love this as an entry point into Shakespeare for younger children.
I wish there were more in this series though! Bummed they only have 2
I wish there were more in this series though! Bummed they only have 2
May 9, 2015
Macbeth, maybe the most serious of all the tragedies, told with silliness for kids (who I imagine are going to be taken to a version of the play with their parents and so they need to know what's going on? Or some ambitious elementary teachers teaching it as one of the classics?) as a Stratford Zoo Midnight Review production (with animals, yup). Gets at the essence of the story, with some attention to how the audience is reacting to it… made me smile a few times… the art is well don for kids, I think, more colorful than any production of the play I have ever seen, that's for sure… written y Ian Lendler with art by Zack Giallongo, a First Second Production, and I hope to see more. I mean, we now have myriad manga Shakespeare. I have kid versions that are elegant and preserve the seriousness, but this one is irreverent and fun.
December 30, 2015
A star studded retelling of Shakespeare's Macbeth with zoo animals that would spark any ones interest in the original.
When the zoo closes at night the animals decide to entertain themselves and each other with an amazingly twisted performace of one of "the Bards " most bloody plays, with a few delightful quirky twists and turns that add some spice, and absolutely delicious delightful illustrations that are both charming and have just the right ghoulish touches.
Top notch entertainment!
When the zoo closes at night the animals decide to entertain themselves and each other with an amazingly twisted performace of one of "the Bards " most bloody plays, with a few delightful quirky twists and turns that add some spice, and absolutely delicious delightful illustrations that are both charming and have just the right ghoulish touches.
Top notch entertainment!
July 6, 2025
I haven't read any Shakespeare. I'm not planning to read him anytime soon. Well, I'm not planning to read him at all, so all I did was ask AI what Macbeth is about and I'm pretty much set for this comic's reading.
It's pretty enjoyable, moderately funny, and has decent illustrations. Could be a treat for fans of Shakespeare.
It's pretty enjoyable, moderately funny, and has decent illustrations. Could be a treat for fans of Shakespeare.
November 12, 2018
Lystikäs lapsille ja nuorille suunnattu sarjakuva, jossa eläintarhan harrastelijateatteri pureutuu - kirjaimellisestikin - Shakespearen klassikkonäytelmään.
July 18, 2019
A graphic adaptation of Shakespeare's MacBeth. When the Stratford Zoo closes for the day and the zookeeper is busy cleaning up, the animals have a subversive social life and put on plays. I had doubts abut this before I started reading it, but the creators have translated the original Shakespearean plot and themes in a digestible way for children. Perfect in the role of MacBeth, a lion devours anyone who stands in his way, including the duck family of Detective MacDuff who is more than a little suspicious of MacBeth. (But don't worry about scaring the kiddos - all the eaten characters are resurrected at the end.) Ketchup helps MacBeth's victims go down easier but Lady MacBeth wrestles with the ketchup stains. The three witches (a koala, squirrel, and a rabbit) struggle to get into character, and commentary from the animal audience adds even more humor. The full-color art adds fun details as well, including MacBeth's growing stomach. An effective and entertaining way to introduce children to one of the best classics ever written.
July 3, 2024
Chaotic, silly, FLAWLESS. Shakespeare would have endorsed this. 10/10 😂
April 17, 2015
Evaluation: Turning a story of sinister plotting, murder, and insanity into a children’s book shouldn’t work, but it does with Ian Ledler and Zach Giallongo. The story is about the animals putting on the play and is humorously told, not inappropriately graphic and a bit comical in its conveyance of the dark themes while not losing the essence of the play. The panels and pages are clean and vibrant, easy to read/follow and not busy with text or other visual noise.
Audience and Application: The audience is grades 2-5 though (again) applicable to some older grades or studies. The application for this one would be in a book bundle for a student who likes plays and/or Shakespeare, as well as curricular if the teacher is having students look at adaptations of plays in reading/literature class, or using it as an anticipatory activity before reading the play.
Positive Attributes or Cautions/Concerns: The positive attribute of this book is it takes a story that is not normally presented to young students and makes it accessible in a fun manner.
Audience and Application: The audience is grades 2-5 though (again) applicable to some older grades or studies. The application for this one would be in a book bundle for a student who likes plays and/or Shakespeare, as well as curricular if the teacher is having students look at adaptations of plays in reading/literature class, or using it as an anticipatory activity before reading the play.
Positive Attributes or Cautions/Concerns: The positive attribute of this book is it takes a story that is not normally presented to young students and makes it accessible in a fun manner.
March 17, 2022
This was fun. It was like not other Macbeth I have ever read. The zoo puts on the show, but like Mystery Science Theater 3000, there is audience commentary, feedback, and participation. Plus in this version of Macbeth, the Lion eats his enemies.
Great Fun, good graphics.
3.17.22
If you have ever wondered what the zoo animals do at night, well they put on shows. They start off with Macbeth, the famous play by Willy Shakespeare. The play is presented and we the readers get to see not just the play, but the audience thoughts and participation. We find out why things like intermissions happen. This was the simplest but craziest retelling of Macbeth ever put to paper. I loved every minute of it. Between the three witches trying to find the perfect witch laugh, and the queen dealing with her “spots”, kids will get a nice basis for the story, and have a better time than they would with a Great Illustrated Classic.
Great Fun, good graphics.
3.17.22
If you have ever wondered what the zoo animals do at night, well they put on shows. They start off with Macbeth, the famous play by Willy Shakespeare. The play is presented and we the readers get to see not just the play, but the audience thoughts and participation. We find out why things like intermissions happen. This was the simplest but craziest retelling of Macbeth ever put to paper. I loved every minute of it. Between the three witches trying to find the perfect witch laugh, and the queen dealing with her “spots”, kids will get a nice basis for the story, and have a better time than they would with a Great Illustrated Classic.
January 5, 2018
Μπορώ να πω ότι με κέρδισαν αυτά τα δύο από τα εξώφυλλα τους. Και ότι τα πήρα 10 ευρώ και τα δύο :)
Όντως αρκετά παιδικά. Βλέπουμε διάφορα ζώα του ζωολογικού κήπου να ανεβάζουν παραστάσεις του Σαίξπηρ, πάντα σε χιουμοριστικά πλαίσια κρατώντας την πολύ βασική πλοκή ενώ προσθέτουν σύγχρονα στοιχεία (π.χ. ταμπελάκι έξω από το κάστρο του Μακμπέθ που γράφει "όχι Wi-Fi" ). Αν είχα παιδιά θα τους τα έδινα να τα διαβάσουν, θα έπαιρναν κάτι έστω και σε αυτή την απλοϊκή μορφή.
Ωραίο ήταν που παράλληλα με τις πράξεις των τραγωδιών είχε καρεδάκια που σχολίαζαν τα υπόλοιπα ζώα-θεατές που παρακολουθούσαν την παράσταση. Οι δύο ιστορίες είναι αυτοτελείς αλλά και εγώ θεωρώ ότι πρέπει να αντιμετωπίζονται ως σειρά αφού στην αρχή του δεύτερου ένα μαϊμουδάκι λέει κάτι του στιλ "ελπίζω να είναι καλύτερο το "Ρωμαίος και Ιουλιέτα" από την προηγούμενη παράσταση φόλα". Το συμπάθησα το μαϊμουδάκι.
Ω Ρωμαίο, γιατί να είσαι κόκκορας της φάρμας και εγώ αρκούδα που ξύνεται στα δέντρα;
Όντως αρκετά παιδικά. Βλέπουμε διάφορα ζώα του ζωολογικού κήπου να ανεβάζουν παραστάσεις του Σαίξπηρ, πάντα σε χιουμοριστικά πλαίσια κρατώντας την πολύ βασική πλοκή ενώ προσθέτουν σύγχρονα στοιχεία (π.χ. ταμπελάκι έξω από το κάστρο του Μακμπέθ που γράφει "όχι Wi-Fi" ). Αν είχα παιδιά θα τους τα έδινα να τα διαβάσουν, θα έπαιρναν κάτι έστω και σε αυτή την απλοϊκή μορφή.
Ωραίο ήταν που παράλληλα με τις πράξεις των τραγωδιών είχε καρεδάκια που σχολίαζαν τα υπόλοιπα ζώα-θεατές που παρακολουθούσαν την παράσταση. Οι δύο ιστορίες είναι αυτοτελείς αλλά και εγώ θεωρώ ότι πρέπει να αντιμετωπίζονται ως σειρά αφού στην αρχή του δεύτερου ένα μαϊμουδάκι λέει κάτι του στιλ "ελπίζω να είναι καλύτερο το "Ρωμαίος και Ιουλιέτα" από την προηγούμενη παράσταση φόλα". Το συμπάθησα το μαϊμουδάκι.
Ω Ρωμαίο, γιατί να είσαι κόκκορας της φάρμας και εγώ αρκούδα που ξύνεται στα δέντρα;
May 24, 2014
A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was the most adorable, creative, and hilarious little graphic novel I've read in a long time. It's very short, so there isn't much to say, except I loved it. I wasn't expecting it to be so funny either.
Basically in the Stratford Zoo at night, the animals all congregate and put on shows of famous Shakespeare plays in their own versions (which are very different, much shorter, and hilarious). That's how we find a host of animals watching and performing Macbeth. Macbeth is played by a lion who proceeds to eat the King, and then anyone who gets in his way (leaving behind a trail of ketchup and indigestion).
Perfect read for children or adults who just want something short and sweet with great graphics. I can't wait to read more in this series!
This was the most adorable, creative, and hilarious little graphic novel I've read in a long time. It's very short, so there isn't much to say, except I loved it. I wasn't expecting it to be so funny either.
Basically in the Stratford Zoo at night, the animals all congregate and put on shows of famous Shakespeare plays in their own versions (which are very different, much shorter, and hilarious). That's how we find a host of animals watching and performing Macbeth. Macbeth is played by a lion who proceeds to eat the King, and then anyone who gets in his way (leaving behind a trail of ketchup and indigestion).
Perfect read for children or adults who just want something short and sweet with great graphics. I can't wait to read more in this series!
February 17, 2016
A hilarious retelling of Macbeth that I think will have a wide audience. My second grader loved it, but I think a good part of the book went over his head (his favorite parts were when the animals had to have intermission because a zookeeper arrived and when the elephant blocks an important scene). Definitely a fun way to introduce Shakespeare, and I think even high schoolers could have fun seeing how the play was "adapted" by its animal company. It also doesn't hurt that it's a nice, quick read!
December 13, 2014
This is a really cute, short graphic novel telling of MacBeth. The art is colorful and vivid, and they do a good job of condensing the plot. It is rather sanitized--for example, it turns out at the end that no one really died in the play--but it feels quite appropriate considering it's a performance staged by zoo animals.
July 12, 2014
Short, funny graphic retelling of Macbeth that will amuse those completely unfamiliar with the source material and amuse much, much more those who know it well.
January 26, 2018
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Πάρκο Στρατφορντ- Σαίξπηρ χωρίς εκπτώσεις!
Επειδή υπάρχουν αρκετές διασκευές του σαιξπηρικού έργου σε κόμικ, συχνά ξεχνάμε το ότι αυτό δεν είναι καθόλου εύκολη υπόθεση. Ίσως θα έπρεπε να μας το θυμίζει ότι πολύ λίγες από αυτές πραγματικά ξεχωρίζουν, ακόμα και σε μια εποχή όπου η 9η Τέχνη βρίσκεται σε πολλά περισσότερα μέρη από ποτέ. Όταν δε, η διασκευή του έργου του μεγάλου βάρδου δεν μένει στην αυτολεξεί μεταφορά, αλλά αποπειράται να μιλήσει την γλώσσα των παιδιών, και να μετατρέψει σε παραμύθι τραγωδίες όπως το Μακμπεθ και το Ρωμαίος και Ιουλιέτα, όπως κάνουν τα δύο ομώνυμα τεύχη του «Πάρκο Στρατφορντ- Ο Θίασος του Μεσονυχτίου» (αμφότερα στα ελληνικά από τις εκδόσεις Polaris).
Πράγματι, πως μετατρέπεις έργα τόσο πολύνεκρα και αιματηρά σε πράγματα για τα οποία τα παιδιά όχι μόνο να ενδιαφερθούν αλλά και να ενθουσιαστούν; Και, πως το κάνεις αυτό χρησιμοποιώντας έναν ζωολογικό κήπο ως μέλη ενός (ασυντόνιστου) θιάσου;
O σεναριογράφος Ιαν Λέντλερ και ο σχεδιαστής Ζακ Τζιαλόνγκο το καταφέρνουν αρχικά προσεγγίζοντυας το έργο του Σαιξπηρ με μεγάλο σεβασμό, αλλά και γνώση, τόσο πάνω στο ίδιο το έργο, όσο και στις συνθήκες του θεάτρου. Έτσι μεταφέρουν όχι μόνο τις ιστορίες, αλλά και όλη την εμπειρία του ελισσαβετιανού θεάτρου στις σελίδες και στα καρέ των κόμικ τους, χωρίς να εμμένουν σε λεπτομέριες αλλά στην ουσία των μύθων.
Έτσι, μπορεί το αίμα να γίνεται… κέτσαπ αλλά οι φρικτοί λεκέδες που τιμωρούν την λαίδη Μακμπεθ και που στο τέλος την οδηγούν στο χαμό παραμένουν. Μπορεί η αυτοκτονία να παρουσιάζεται σαν… ασυντόνιστη χειμερία νάρκη, αλλά η δύναμη της θυσίας των νεαρών ερωτευμένων βιώνεται ως πραγματική. Ακόμα και αν είναι εκτελεσμένη από έναν θίασο ζώων. Ή, ίσως ακόμα περισσότερο για αυτό.
Οι ανθρωπόρφοι, ζωώδεις ήρωες, χαρίζουν στα έργα πλαστικότητα, εκφραστικότητα με ένα εύρος που οι άνθρωποι, ακόμα και ως καρικατούρες δεν μπορούν να πετύχουν. Έτσι οι καλλιτέχνες δημιουργούν ευχάριστες και πολύ ουσιαστικές υπερβολές, μέσω των οποίων το σαιξπηρικό έργο ταξιδεύει. Παράλληλα με τον θίασο, ζωώμορφο είναι και το κοινό. Έτσι ο αναγνώστης (μικρός και μεγάλος) έχει την δυνατότητα να διακρίνει και τα δύο μέρη της θεατρικής επικοινωνίας: θίασο και κοινό. Μαζί με την ίδια την παράσταση, τα κόμικ αυτά συνιστούν μια μεταφορά που δεν μένει μόνο στην ιστορία, αλλά τρέφεται και από την αλληλόδραση των ηθοποιών με το κοινό. Έχουμε πολλές φορές αναφέρει πως τα κόμικ, σαν τέχνη, έχουν πολλά περισσότερα κοινά με τον κινηματογράφο παρά με την ζωγραφική, όπως ακριβώς και ο κινηματογράφος έχει περισσότερες ομοιότητες με την λογοτεχνία (ειδικά το μυθιστόρημα) παρά με το θέατρο. Το «Πάρκο Στρατφορντ- Ο Θίασος του Μεσονυχτίου» έρχεται να γεφυρώσει αυτό το χάσμα μεταξύ των 4 αυτών τεχνών, όλα για χάρη των (μεγάλων) παιδιών στα οποία απευθύνεται.
Σχεδιαστικά, ο Τζιαλόνγκο επιμένει με φανταχτερά και φωτεινά χρώματα, ακόμα και στις πιο σκοτεινές πλευρές της ιστορίας. Οι καρικατούρες των συνήθως σοβαρών ηρώων, όπως του ζεύγους Μακμπεθ, του Μακντάφ ή ακόμα και του Μερκούτιου φαντάζουν οικίες και ευχάριστες. Έτσι είναι πολύ εύκολο στο παιδί αναγνώστη να τις συμπαθήσει και να προβληματιστεί για τον ρόλο τους, ενώ στον ενήλικο που γνωρίζει την ιστορία είναι μια φρέσκια υπενθύμιση του σαιξπηρικού έργου.
Αν έχετε παιδιά μη διστάσετε να τα εξοικειώσετε με τις σαιξπηρικές τραγωδίες, ακόμα και τις πιο σκληρές. Είναι σίγουρα ένας πολύ καλός δρόμος να για να ξεκινήσουν την μελέτη της σπουδίας παρακαταθήκης και παράδοσης του Βρετανού συγγραφέα. Από την άλλη, όσοι ξέρετε τις ιστορίες, θα σας ξαφνιάσει το «μοντάζ» των σκηνών που μεταφέρθηκαν και που απαρτίζουν την ιστορία.
Πάρκο Στρατφορντ- Σαίξπηρ χωρίς εκπτώσεις!
Επειδή υπάρχουν αρκετές διασκευές του σαιξπηρικού έργου σε κόμικ, συχνά ξεχνάμε το ότι αυτό δεν είναι καθόλου εύκολη υπόθεση. Ίσως θα έπρεπε να μας το θυμίζει ότι πολύ λίγες από αυτές πραγματικά ξεχωρίζουν, ακόμα και σε μια εποχή όπου η 9η Τέχνη βρίσκεται σε πολλά περισσότερα μέρη από ποτέ. Όταν δε, η διασκευή του έργου του μεγάλου βάρδου δεν μένει στην αυτολεξεί μεταφορά, αλλά αποπειράται να μιλήσει την γλώσσα των παιδιών, και να μετατρέψει σε παραμύθι τραγωδίες όπως το Μακμπεθ και το Ρωμαίος και Ιουλιέτα, όπως κάνουν τα δύο ομώνυμα τεύχη του «Πάρκο Στρατφορντ- Ο Θίασος του Μεσονυχτίου» (αμφότερα στα ελληνικά από τις εκδόσεις Polaris).
Πράγματι, πως μετατρέπεις έργα τόσο πολύνεκρα και αιματηρά σε πράγματα για τα οποία τα παιδιά όχι μόνο να ενδιαφερθούν αλλά και να ενθουσιαστούν; Και, πως το κάνεις αυτό χρησιμοποιώντας έναν ζωολογικό κήπο ως μέλη ενός (ασυντόνιστου) θιάσου;
O σεναριογράφος Ιαν Λέντλερ και ο σχεδιαστής Ζακ Τζιαλόνγκο το καταφέρνουν αρχικά προσεγγίζοντυας το έργο του Σαιξπηρ με μεγάλο σεβασμό, αλλά και γνώση, τόσο πάνω στο ίδιο το έργο, όσο και στις συνθήκες του θεάτρου. Έτσι μεταφέρουν όχι μόνο τις ιστορίες, αλλά και όλη την εμπειρία του ελισσαβετιανού θεάτρου στις σελίδες και στα καρέ των κόμικ τους, χωρίς να εμμένουν σε λεπτομέριες αλλά στην ουσία των μύθων.
Έτσι, μπορεί το αίμα να γίνεται… κέτσαπ αλλά οι φρικτοί λεκέδες που τιμωρούν την λαίδη Μακμπεθ και που στο τέλος την οδηγούν στο χαμό παραμένουν. Μπορεί η αυτοκτονία να παρουσιάζεται σαν… ασυντόνιστη χειμερία νάρκη, αλλά η δύναμη της θυσίας των νεαρών ερωτευμένων βιώνεται ως πραγματική. Ακόμα και αν είναι εκτελεσμένη από έναν θίασο ζώων. Ή, ίσως ακόμα περισσότερο για αυτό.
Οι ανθρωπόρφοι, ζωώδεις ήρωες, χαρίζουν στα έργα πλαστικότητα, εκφραστικότητα με ένα εύρος που οι άνθρωποι, ακόμα και ως καρικατούρες δεν μπορούν να πετύχουν. Έτσι οι καλλιτέχνες δημιουργούν ευχάριστες και πολύ ουσιαστικές υπερβολές, μέσω των οποίων το σαιξπηρικό έργο ταξιδεύει. Παράλληλα με τον θίασο, ζωώμορφο είναι και το κοινό. Έτσι ο αναγνώστης (μικρός και μεγάλος) έχει την δυνατότητα να διακρίνει και τα δύο μέρη της θεατρικής επικοινωνίας: θίασο και κοινό. Μαζί με την ίδια την παράσταση, τα κόμικ αυτά συνιστούν μια μεταφορά που δεν μένει μόνο στην ιστορία, αλλά τρέφεται και από την αλληλόδραση των ηθοποιών με το κοινό. Έχουμε πολλές φορές αναφέρει πως τα κόμικ, σαν τέχνη, έχουν πολλά περισσότερα κοινά με τον κινηματογράφο παρά με την ζωγραφική, όπως ακριβώς και ο κινηματογράφος έχει περισσότερες ομοιότητες με την λογοτεχνία (ειδικά το μυθιστόρημα) παρά με το θέατρο. Το «Πάρκο Στρατφορντ- Ο Θίασος του Μεσονυχτίου» έρχεται να γεφυρώσει αυτό το χάσμα μεταξύ των 4 αυτών τεχνών, όλα για χάρη των (μεγάλων) παιδιών στα οποία απευθύνεται.
Σχεδιαστικά, ο Τζιαλόνγκο επιμένει με φανταχτερά και φωτεινά χρώματα, ακόμα και στις πιο σκοτεινές πλευρές της ιστορίας. Οι καρικατούρες των συνήθως σοβαρών ηρώων, όπως του ζεύγους Μακμπεθ, του Μακντάφ ή ακόμα και του Μερκούτιου φαντάζουν οικίες και ευχάριστες. Έτσι είναι πολύ εύκολο στο παιδί αναγνώστη να τις συμπαθήσει και να προβληματιστεί για τον ρόλο τους, ενώ στον ενήλικο που γνωρίζει την ιστορία είναι μια φρέσκια υπενθύμιση του σαιξπηρικού έργου.
Αν έχετε παιδιά μη διστάσετε να τα εξοικειώσετε με τις σαιξπηρικές τραγωδίες, ακόμα και τις πιο σκληρές. Είναι σίγουρα ένας πολύ καλός δρόμος να για να ξεκινήσουν την μελέτη της σπουδίας παρακαταθήκης και παράδοσης του Βρετανού συγγραφέα. Από την άλλη, όσοι ξέρετε τις ιστορίες, θα σας ξαφνιάσει το «μοντάζ» των σκηνών που μεταφέρθηκαν και που απαρτίζουν την ιστορία.
January 13, 2019
So who would have thought of one Shakespeare's greatest dramas could be so funny?
Seriously, I laughed out loud.
"Did those trees just move"? "I can't see anything": says a mole. HA!
So the premise is that after hours, the Stratford Zoo animals, all come together and "badly" perform Shakespeare for the other animals.
In tonight's production, of the usually ominous, foreboding, scary, and bloody tale of the Scottish Play,
starring the Lion as the Title role, a cheetah as Lady M, a hyena as Banquo, an owl as King Duncan, and Stork as Detective Macduff, along with other colorful animals as the secondary characters, it takes a clean, fun, and laugh-out-loud approach to the Bard.
Perfect introduction and educational lesson for teaching kids about the bard. So much fun!
Seriously, I laughed out loud.
"Did those trees just move"? "I can't see anything": says a mole. HA!
So the premise is that after hours, the Stratford Zoo animals, all come together and "badly" perform Shakespeare for the other animals.
In tonight's production, of the usually ominous, foreboding, scary, and bloody tale of the Scottish Play,
starring the Lion as the Title role, a cheetah as Lady M, a hyena as Banquo, an owl as King Duncan, and Stork as Detective Macduff, along with other colorful animals as the secondary characters, it takes a clean, fun, and laugh-out-loud approach to the Bard.
Perfect introduction and educational lesson for teaching kids about the bard. So much fun!
June 29, 2017
A very fun, beautiful graphic novel that introduces Shakespeare in younger readers. I think this really captures the essence of the play with the antics of the zoo animal audience creating comic relief. Casting a leopard as Lady Macbeth is brilliant when the time comes for her to wash the spots off. Very well done.
Now a comment on "reading" Shakespeare. I a stickler on the fact that these were plays and meant to be enjoyed as such. The verbal clues and gestures from the live actors make the timeless stories understandable. Read a children's prose adaptation and take them to the theater.
Now a comment on "reading" Shakespeare. I a stickler on the fact that these were plays and meant to be enjoyed as such. The verbal clues and gestures from the live actors make the timeless stories understandable. Read a children's prose adaptation and take them to the theater.
May 7, 2022
In this crazy zoo the animals perform Macbeth with a critical audience making comments along the way. The lead, Macbeth, does some horrendous things as he finds a way to deal with his problems adding to gags (laughs and literal gagging). As Macbeth tries to get away with his crimes Detective MacDuff is on his trail. Will he get away with it or get caught and brought to justice?
The drawing style is loose giving a flow to the story that tightly drawn illustrations could not. The colors are vibrant. A fun, witty read.
The drawing style is loose giving a flow to the story that tightly drawn illustrations could not. The colors are vibrant. A fun, witty read.
April 26, 2018
Thanks to this book as an easy and nuanced entry for young readers to have a peek at Shakespeare’s play and the arrangement of theater.
My 1-grade girls picked them from the library and told me, “Mom, this book is so funny and it even got the three witches.”
I knew it may be a good time to get more of these for them. Amazing book!
My 1-grade girls picked them from the library and told me, “Mom, this book is so funny and it even got the three witches.”
I knew it may be a good time to get more of these for them. Amazing book!
June 20, 2018
This is such a fun way to introduce young children to one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Macbeth. The Stratford Zoo is the stage for its animal actors who give it their all to entertain the other zoo residents. A wonderful addition to any elementary/middle school library or classroom to get students excited about Shakespeare’s work.
June 22, 2020
As a lifelong lover of Shakespeare, this is an excellent adaptation for young readers of this classic. The essence of the story stays intact while converting some of the more tragic aspects into concepts that children can grasp. The graphics are excellent as well. This is fun to read as an adult and with the children in your life.
January 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this take on Macbeth, one of my favorite plays by Shakespeare. It was funny and a good introduction of the play for younger readers. Also, the artwork is great. Overall, this was a very enjoyable adaptation of the classic that I think younger readers and older readers will both enjoy.
August 18, 2019
What a fresh and fabulous take on a great classic. Geared towards the young, The Scottish Play comes alive in a condensed story told by zoo animals. Perfect for those too young to read MacBeth, or those who perfect pictures over wordiness. Every Shakespeare fan should give this one a look.
September 26, 2019
Read this to see if I wanted to get it for my cousin for Christmas. It's a little too young for him, but I continued reading it because it was a cute look at Macbeth for children. Lady Macbeth was hilarious in this version - all the soap she used to try and get out her spots, omg.
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