Shakespeare’s famous works will be translated into comic strips in a new competition.

Word 09, the Aberdeen University writers’ festival, has joined up with manga publisher SelfMadeHero. They want entrants to create their own manga adaptation of famed scenes, such as the balcony tryst between Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth’s first encounter with the witches.

Prizes include tickets to manga events at the festival and a set of the Manga Shakespeare series, while the best artwork will appear on the Word 09 website. The competition is one part of Word 09‘s celebrations of the Japanese comic book phenomenon. They coincide with Japan-UK 150, a series of UK-wide events commemorating 150 years of the two countries’ friendship. It is open to 12 to 18-year-olds throughout Scotland. The winner will be announced on May 4.

www.abdn.ac.ukword; T: 01224 273726; E: word@abdn.ac.uk.