Shakespeare's Plays and Copyright: Are They Still Protected?

Many wonder if the works of William Shakespeare are still under copyright. The answer is no. Let's delve into the details and explore the implications for performance and adaptation of his plays.

Are Shakespeare's Plays Still Under Copyright?

The original plays and poems by Shakespeare are long out of copyright. This fact has been true for centuries, as there was no copyright law anywhere at the time of his death in 1616. The lack of copyright law allowed Shakespeare to freely adapt other people's work, contributing to his literary genius.

Why Copyright Laws Did Not Apply to Shakespeare

Shakespeare lived in a time before modern copyright law. The concept of copyrighted works as we know it today did not exist in the 17th century. This absence of copyright law played a significant role in his ability to plunder other people's work and use it to create his own groundbreaking pieces.

Legalities and Performances

Given the historical context, it would be perfectly legal for someone to put on a performance of a Shakespeare play without seeking permission or paying royalties. Since the plays are in the public domain, anyone can freely stage a production of any of his works. This is a testament to the enduring legacy of his classic texts.

Adaptations and Spin-offs

While the actual scripts of Shakespeare's plays are in the public domain, adaptations, critics' commentaries, and scholarly analysis included in editions are often subject to copyright protection. For example, if you were to write a musical based on one of his plays, such as Cole Porter did with Kiss Me Kate or Leonard Bernstein with West Side Story, you would need to acquire the necessary permissions.

Public Domain Plays for Production

For those who wish to stage a Shakespeare play, there are several options to obtain the text. You can buy scripts from Dover Books for a low price, print them out from the internet, or even publish your own collection. Since the original works are in the public domain, there are no royalties to pay.

Protection of Critical Editions

While the actual plays are in the public domain, critical editions of his works, which often contain commentary and scholarly analysis, are not. An editor or publisher can claim separate copyright for their particular edition, reflecting their unique choices. It would be risky to reprint an existing edition and claim it as your own without acquiring the necessary permissions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shakespeare's original plays and poems are in the public domain and not under copyright protection. This means that it would be perfectly legal to stage a production of any of his plays without seeking permission or paying royalties. However, any adaptations or critical editions that include supplementary materials may still have their own copyright protections. Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone looking to adapt or perform Shakespeare's works.