The term in question describes dramatic works and performances of questionable quality, often hastily produced and reliant on sensationalism or lowbrow humor to appeal to a broad audience. It suggests a debasement of the artistic standards associated with the celebrated playwright, William Shakespeare, implying a focus on profit and popularity over artistic integrity. An example would be a modern adaptation of Hamlet that replaces the complex philosophical soliloquies with crude jokes and slapstick, solely to attract a larger, less discerning audience.
The significance of understanding this concept lies in its highlighting of the ongoing tension between artistic merit and commercial success in the world of theatre and literature. Recognizing the characteristics associated with this dismissive label allows for critical evaluation of artistic works, distinguishing between genuine creative expression and cynical attempts to exploit popular tastes. Historically, the emergence of such a descriptor reflects anxieties about the dilution of cultural values in the face of mass entertainment and the potential for artistic standards to be compromised by economic pressures.
