SHAKESPEARE

This lively workshop explores the different ways in which Shakespeare expresses love in his most famous tragedy. From using cheesy love songs to explore love-themed metaphors, to finding the romance in rhyming couplets and the true meaning of love in iambic pentameter, this is a great workshop for learning to love Shakespeare's language.

A dynamic session that uses popular TV show formats to explore culpability, and to ask whether the death of the star-crossed lovers was inevitable or down to individual responsibility. Children investigate the role characters played in the tragedy and consider how different actions might have led to a different outcome.

Pupils are introduced to this great tragedy through the character of King Hamlet's ghost, as he describes his murder. Initial activities explore the rhythm and imagery of Shakespeare's language, then methods such as tableaux, mime, improvisation and role-play are used to examine aspects of story, character and motivation. A great introduction to Shakespeare!

Pupils work in role as police officers, forensic scientists, and actors performing 'crime reconstructions' to explore the means, motives and opportunities behind Banquo's death. They discuss forensic evidence, watch reconstructions and interview suspects to reach their own conclusions about this tragic murder. A lively and thought-provoking session!

Paul has worked in professional theatres as both actor and director as well as with the Shakespeare Schools festival to develop this workshop in engaging pupils with Britain's greatest writer. Exploring ways in which Shakespeare can still engage audiences today, focussing on deciphering his language, developing ensemble work in the plays, using characterisation to develop performance and developing storytelling. Master classes for smaller groups on key scene studies also available.