Four hundred years later, William Shakespeares collected works remain relevant, enduring classics.
Twelfth Night
WALDIA:The plays protagonist Violas chief problem throughout the play is one of identity.
Arrows stab the two coffins to show how their love was met with violent resistance from their feuding families.
Macbeth
WALDIA:A ladys tiara pours blood onto a noblemans crown.
This symbolizes the influence of Lady Macbeth on Macbeths actions.
A dagger and scepter cross each other to show the intersection of ambition and blood-lust in the play.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How did you land on a look that could work for each of these plays?
MANUJA WALDIA:Paul had the idea of unifying the series using this minimalistic illustration style.
Were using specific background colors for the three categories tragedies, comedies and histories.
Keeping the line weight consistent for all illustrations brings further consistency to the set.
What are some of the concepts that you considered but didnt stick with?
The sexism and misogyny inTaming of the Shrewis ludicrous!
I did a couple of sketches with the male lead Petruchio.
How do you make something 400 years old feel fresh for a new audience?
Who was the audience you had in mind?
I like to describe the aesthetic as mono-linear, minimalistic and derived from basic geometric shapes.
While Shakespeare is quite old, most of the broader themes that appear in his work are timeless.
This led to a uniquely fresh approach to titles which have so many existing editions (and covers.)
and pay homage to Shakespeare in line with modern sensibilities.
I think Shakespeare is for everyone.
Along with that I also make a run at hide a few easter eggs for the really hardcore fans.
Did you re-read them before you designed them?
Did you notice anything new?
I did read them.
What was the biggest challenge with the project?
Those are the ones that require more brain muscle, and can be a bit challenging.
Although they are also the ones that feel the most rewarding at the end.
Also the fact that many versions of these covers have been done makes it challenging to keep them fresh.
Which cover is your favorite?
I like Macbeth the best, as it was the first one I did.
What is your favorite Shakespeare quote?
Action is Eloquence from Coriolanus (Act 3, Scene 2) is my favorite.
It seems to be Shakespearean for Actions speak louder than words.
Why do you think these plays are still relevant over 400 years after they were written?
I think the Bard is as relevant as ever.
He lives through all the words that he invented and which we speak today.
He lives through his overt and covert influence on popular culture, cinema and literature.
