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Shakepeare does lend nicely to film, and it certainly does not need to be done in period, let alone period costuming. Many, many of his plays can be set in other times and settings. Kenneth Branaugh's resetting of Love's Labours Lost as a 1930's era musical was particularly clever. And of course Baz Luhrman's resetting of Romeo + Juliet is anything but a period piece.
Onstage I have done everything from Taming of the Shrew in the old west to The Comedy of Errors as -- get this -- an Arabic film company making a "Lawrence of Arabia"-inspired movie. This production, directed by actor/director Bill Pullman was great. during scene changes the cast spoke only in Arabic, and then began each scene by slating it.
I was also involved in a very ingenious production of A Midsummer Night's Dream which was a cross between punk rock and the then-popular night time drama series Dynasty.
In the right hands, you can really do a lot with Shakespeare without changing any of the words, but placing it in a different setting. In the wrong hands you can really make a big mess that no one would want to see. You have to have a strong concept, and my advice would be to not try it without a thorough understanding of the play you are adapting. Just doing a resetting for the novelty factor does not cut it. The story must always come first.
Good luck!
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