Books that should be made into plays!

[Santino]

Hey, I thought I would start this topic because we have one for books that should be made into movies, but not one for plays (that I could see anyway!)

So, what books have you read that you would like to see turned into a play?

[Kyle]

Absolutely none. It's a dead medium in my opinion. I can't think of a single person who truly likes it. Most people like it on purpose, since they think its "cool" or "classy". Etc.

I have a bunch of logical arguments to make on that assertion too, but thats not what you asked, so I'll stop. ^_^

[Santino]

I wouldn't call it a dead medium, but it's certainly not a modern one.

I genuinely like plays, but I don't go to many. This is because to a certain extent, I agree with you - I don't go to many plays because it is cheaper and easier and quicker to stick in a DVD which I can rewatch than go to the theatre. And books are normally cheaper still!

But also the theatre near where I live rarely have anything decent to show for itself.

But some books have been made into films and plays, but the play is actually better, such as the woman in black for example.

[Kyle]

Oh don't get me wrong. I enjoy plays too. Its just that I'm spoiled by modern technology. It seems too limited to me. Like a poor man's movie. I can watch a play based on a book and say "Hey, that was good." but I cant see myself thinking it was better than a movie. You can do much more with movies. Richer storyline. More detail. More indepth and genuine characters. Not to mention visual effects which some scoff at but which I have always found to be quite a treat. That's just my personal opinion of course, not everyone feels that way.

[Santino]

Literally, completely agree with all the reasons you just gave about movies. There are some movies that, when you think about it, cannot possibly be turned into a play and it be still somewhat decent.

Although off topic, this debate is good! Hahah!

[Kyle]

lol I see what your saying though. There's something to be said for a medium in and of itself. I mean movies may have virtues that appeal to me more but its hard to compare mediums really. They're their own category unto themselves. A play is a play. Not to be compared with a book, movie, comic etc.

[Santino]

Nail on the head here I reckon!

[Leora]

I love movies, but they can never replace live theatre for me! A play is personal, immediate and unique; every performance is a little miracle! A play requires more from me, as an audience member. It requires me to think, to use my imagination, to connect the dots. At a movie, I am just a sponge, soaking it all up.

As for books that should be made into plays, I would love to see "A Long Way Down" by Nick Hornby on the stage.

[Kyle]

That point about being more personal I hadn't considered. Good call. Totally agree. That's a point in favor over movies for sure. As for the requiring more from me I completely disagree. Respectfully. After watching Inception for instance you tell me you didn't have to think, imagine or connect any dots... you're a savant.

[Rachel]

Okay, I don't have any recommendations for book to play, but even though I don't get to see them often at all, I adore plays! I love how my imagination takes over and it just leaves my mind blown. It's like a book combined with a movie. You have the visuals, and the live action, but you also have to let your imagination take control to truly enjoy it. Many people think plays are stupid because it's obviously not real, but that's the part they don't get. It's an adventure for the brain and the senses all at once!

[Leora]

Kyle wrote: "That point about being more personal I hadn't considered. Good call. Totally agree. That's a point in favor over movies for sure. As for the requiring more from me I completely disagree. Respe..."
I have to admit I haven't seen inception yet, so I'll have to take your word for it :)

[Dorottya]

Personally, I love theatre. I just love the "once in a lifetime, for you"-feeling of it, the lights, the costumes, everything.
But as for books... I think the ones that are popular and would be good on stage have actually been adapted to stage anyways, if not by anyone else, by some independent group or a school troupe of some kind. I would love to see The Collector by John Fowles on stage, though, that would be great on stage, because it is between two characters for most of the time, and requires great acting of emotions.