An insight into adaptations of Shakespeare's plays: Macbeth, a film by Roman Polanski, "Romeo and Juliet", a comic by Gianni de Luca and "Shakespeare Showdown", a computer video game made by Enchiridion, an Italian theatre group.

This thesis investigates how modern adaptations reinterpret and reframe William Shakespeare's iconic plays while maintaining their core narratives. By examining Roman Polanski's cinematic rendition of Macbeth, Gianni de Luca's graphic novel adaptation of Hamlet, and the interactive arcade game Shakespeare Showdown by the Enchiridion group, this study explores the diverse methods through which contemporary artists engage with Shakespeare's original texts. The analysis begins with an overview of the historical context of Shakespeare's time, providing a foundation for understanding the enduring impact of his works. It then explores the specific adaptations, highlighting how each medium, film, graphic novel and video game, offers a unique perspective while preserving the essence of the original plays. Polanski's Macbeth is examined for its visual and thematic fidelity to Shakespeare’s portrayal of ambition, corruption and fate, using cinematic techniques to enhance the narrative's psychological depth and moral ambiguity. De Luca's graphic novel adaptation of Hamlet is explored for its innovative use of visual storytelling, capturing the play's existential and introspective themes through dynamic and non-traditional panel layouts. The arcade game Shakespeare Showdown is analysed for its interactive approach, allowing players to engage with Romeo and Juliet’s themes of love and conflict in a modern, immersive format. Upon reviewing these adaptations, the thesis underscores the versatility and timelessness of Shakespeare’s works, demonstrating how contemporary reinterpretations can remain faithful to the original narratives while offering innovative perspectives. This study eventually highlights the balance between fidelity and creative reinterpretation, showing how modern adaptations can enrich our understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare's timeless stories.