Tragedy on stage

Having read 'How to teach your children Shakespeare' recently, i was hoping this book to add a new dimension to Shakespeare writings. The authors have connected the plays to a wide range of subjects. As long as it was in the realm of main character Hamlet and theories of Freud, it was refreshing the memory with the Oedipus Rex. But beyond that to understand the connections of other characters, I felt I would have appreciated the book better with prior reading of the play.
Most chapters were very interesting with info like the difference between the ancient tragedy and modern tragedy, relation between tragedy and theater.
Having just read 'North of Hope' on grief of loss of a father, I could connect some of the experiences.