The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 10.2104  Tuesday, 30 November 1999.

From:           Stuart Hampton-Reeves <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:           Monday, 29 Nov 1999 21:29:45 -0000
Subject: 10.2088 More References in Mass Culture
Comment:        Re: SHK 10.2088 More References in Mass Culture

Here's a good one.

An episode of The Simpsons broadcast in the UK had a scene in which
Homer and Lisa go to see Krusty the clown play King Lear. I don't have
any episode details but here is a transcript:

(Krusty as King Lear, sitting on a throne. Servant enters)

Servant: Lord, your daughters Goneril, Regan and Cordelia.

Krusty: What is this, merry old England or petty-coat junction?

(boos from the audience)

Krusty: Hey, lighten up, it's a comedy!

Servant: (whispers in Krusty's ear) No, it's not.

(Krusty groans and buries his head in his hands)

later:

Krusty: (looking through script of King Lear) Whoa, this material
stinks!  I'm going to have to punch it up on the fly. Oh, got one. How
do you make the King leer? Put the queen in a bikini!!

(boos and jeers from the audience)

Krusty: Here's another one! Knock, knock, who's there? Juliet. Juliet
who? Juliet who ate so much pasta, Romeo doesn't want her anymore!

(more boos from the audience)

Krusty: Whoa, tough crowd. They're booing Shakespeare!

(Next day's headlines: KRUSTY: Worse King Lear in 400 years)

Stuart Hampton-Reeves
University of Central Lancashire

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