Meaning: The quote by John Bradshaw, "You can find more traditional Shakespeare than we do. But what we want to bring to these works is energy, passion, freshness," emphasizes the importance of injecting new life into traditional works such as those of William Shakespeare. This quote speaks to the idea that while traditional interpretations of Shakespeare's works exist, there is a desire to infuse them with vitality and contemporary relevance.

Shakespeare's works are timeless and have been interpreted and reinterpreted countless times over the centuries. However, the challenge for contemporary artists and performers is to bring a sense of energy, passion, and freshness to these classic texts in order to engage modern audiences.

When Bradshaw mentions finding "more traditional Shakespeare," he alludes to the fact that there are numerous productions, adaptations, and scholarly analyses of Shakespeare's plays that adhere closely to traditional interpretations. These traditional approaches often aim to faithfully recreate the historical and cultural context in which the plays were originally performed. While these traditional interpretations are valuable for preserving the integrity of Shakespeare's original vision, they may not always resonate with contemporary audiences who are looking for new perspectives and relevance.

In contrast, Bradshaw's emphasis on "energy, passion, freshness" underscores the need for a dynamic and innovative approach to Shakespeare's works. By infusing these works with vibrant performances, bold reinterpretations, and a contemporary sensibility, artists and performers can breathe new life into Shakespeare's timeless stories and characters. This approach not only makes the works more accessible to modern audiences but also allows for the exploration of universal themes that transcend time and place.

The quote also suggests that the goal is not to discard the traditional aspects of Shakespeare's works but rather to build upon them with a sense of vitality and relevance. By doing so, these timeless works can continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

One way to achieve this is through creative adaptations and modern retellings of Shakespeare's plays. Many contemporary directors and artists have reimagined Shakespeare's works in diverse settings, such as placing them in different time periods, cultural contexts, or even utilizing innovative performance styles. These adaptations often seek to capture the essence of the original stories while making them feel current and relatable to today's audiences.

Moreover, the quote highlights the role of performers in bringing energy and passion to Shakespeare's works. Through compelling acting, expressive delivery of the language, and a deep understanding of the characters, performers can breathe life into Shakespeare's words and make them resonate with contemporary emotions and experiences.

In a broader sense, this quote speaks to the ongoing evolution of artistic expression and interpretation. While respecting the traditions and origins of classic works, there is also a need to continually reinvent and reinvigorate them for new audiences. This approach ensures that timeless masterpieces like those of Shakespeare remain relevant and impactful in an ever-changing world.

In conclusion, John Bradshaw's quote encapsulates the desire to infuse traditional works, particularly those of William Shakespeare, with energy, passion, and freshness. By embracing innovative interpretations and engaging performances, artists and performers can breathe new life into these timeless works, ensuring their continued relevance and resonance with contemporary audiences.