Context is important. Reading the plays is hard, because there are enough literary unknowns to most readers. Performed, however, makes it much easier precisely because any errors you don’t grasp are explained visually. As such, I like modern settings with original words, showing how humanity really hasn’t changed (Laz Buhrman’s “Romeo and Juliet” a great example).
I HIGHLY recommend “Asimov’s Guide to Shakespeare” by Isaac Asimov. He makes the plays VERY understandable both in context and in the use of the words.