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How classic works are reimagined through time
Classics that speak to every generation
Some stories never grow old. They survive because they depict universal emotions : love, hate, despair, loyalty, and tragedy. Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare in the 16th century, is one such story. It has inspired artists, filmmakers, and writers across the world for centuries.
When modern creators adapt a classic, they keep its core themes and emotional power, but change its context to connect with a new audience. They try to imagine what this story would look like at their present time, what conflicts or social divisions could replace the original ones. In the manner of a coming-of-age novel, these adaptations help young people feel close to old stories and understand how universal feelings can appear in different forms depending on the time and place.
An adaptation is successful when it honors the original spirit while offering a new perspective that reflects contemporary concerns such as racism, migration, or cultural clashes.
From Verona to New York and even beyond
One of the most famous modern versions of Romeo and Juliet is West Side Story. First a Broadway musical (1957), then a film (1961 and 2021), it moves the story to New York City in the 1960s. Instead of two noble families, the lovers belong to rival street gangs named the Jets (white Americans) and the Sharks (Puerto Rican immigrants). Romeo changes into Tony, and Juliet becomes Maria.
The story keeps love across barriers, confusing misunderstandings, and a tragic ending. But now it also explores racism, immigration, and the urban tensions of the time. The language is modern, the music is vibrant, and the dance replaces sword fights but the message remains the same.
Another example is the Bollywood film Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), an Indian adaptation of Romeo and Juliet by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Set in a fictional town in India, it tells the story of Ram and Leela, lovers from two rival families involved in violent feuds. The film mixes Shakespearean drama with Indian traditions, colourful costumes, and lively music, while keeping the emotional core of the play intact.
These adaptations show how a classic tragedy can live many lives. They help audiences across cultures and generations connect with the same deep emotions and reflect the realities of their own societies.
