A series of theatrical adaptations of Shakespeare's plays are examined, with reference to the purposes, theatrical resources, priorities, and social and intellectual context of the productions they were designed for. The texts to be discussed range from the Restoration to the present time, and include versions by Nahum Tate, John Dryden and William Davenant, David Gan, John Philip Kemble, Charles Kean, Bertolt Brecht, Charles Marowitz, Heiner Muller, Howard Barker and Paula Vogel.