Answer:
Shakespeare's plays are considered classics because they deal with universal themes that are still relevant today, regardless of time or place. These themes include love, hate, power, jealousy, ambition, and morality, among others. The fact that these themes are universal makes Shakespeare's works easily adaptable to different locations and time periods.
Moreover, Shakespeare's language is a major reason why his works are adaptable. Despite the fact that his plays were written over 400 years ago, his language still manages to capture the essence of human emotion and experience. Shakespeare's use of metaphor and symbolism allows directors and actors to explore the themes of the play in a variety of ways, making them relevant to any time or place.
Additionally, Shakespeare's plays are known for their rich and complex characters, who are able to portray a wide range of emotions and motivations. These characters can be adapted to different contexts and settings, while still retaining their essential humanity. For example, the character of Hamlet has been re-imagined as a modern-day Wall Street executive in the film "The Big Kahuna," demonstrating how Shakespeare's characters are malleable enough to be transplanted into different cultural and social milieus.
Finally, Shakespeare's plays are often open-ended, leaving room for interpretation and creative adaptation. The plays are written in such a way that they can be interpreted in multiple ways, allowing for a wide range of adaptations. This flexibility allows directors to use Shakespeare's works as a jumping-off point for their own creative visions.
In conclusion, Shakespeare's works are easily adaptable because they deal with universal themes, use language that still resonates today, have rich and complex characters, and are open to interpretation and reimagining. These qualities make Shakespeare's plays timeless and relevant, allowing them to be adapted to different locations and time periods while retaining their essential qualities.