The play is the thing in this issue of READ. We take a fresh look on theater by talking with playwrights, learning how a play is crafted, and taking a glimpse at a play from everyone's favorite playwright—William Shakespeare.

Othello is Shakespeare's famous story of love and jealousy. B ryon Cahill's adaptation stays true to the sad tale. Be sure to check out READ’s exclusive interview with the bard himself for insight on the play. For a bonus, have your students figure out how many references to Shakespeare's plays appears in this issue.  

"Young Playwrights 101" contains excerpts from Jonathan Dorf’s book of the same name. This helpful section includes sources of inspiration, advice on narrative structure, and information on how to build a character. This article helps your students figure out how to create a memorable play. Q&A with the author is included.

Alicia Zadrozny's article, "Meet the Masters of the Stage" briefly outlines the lives and works of four of America’s most influential playwrights: Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, Wendy Wasserstein, and Arthur Miller.

Tennessee Williams is the subject of this issue’s Lit Scene Investigation. We explore the importance of setting the scene with an excerpt from the play, Suddenly Last Summer. 

Our Writing section features an article  that discusses adaptation. In Kuros Charney's article, "From Page to Stage," learn how literature influences the theater, and explore some tips on turning a novel into  a play.

This issue captures the magic of the theater. Grab a seat and experience great literature from the stage.  If you have any comments, questions, concerns, or if you just want to say hello, you can write to us at read@weeklyreader.com. And don't forget to check out our literary blog, WORD, at www.readandwriting.com

Sincerely,
The Editors of READ Magazine