WELCOME TO OUR 2014-2015 SEASON
Dear Teachers,
Thank you for your interest in Seattle Shakespeare Company! As you no doubt know, there are many fantastic online resources to help you teach Shakespeare to your students as effectively as possible. In this age of online media, there are videos, teaching tutorials, shared curriculum guides, and more available to teachers.
However, it is as true now as it ever was that Shakespeare is best experienced by watching live performance. Videos can help students understand his plays, but we here at Seattle Shakespeare Company feel that they fall just a little bit short of the live theatrical experience that Shakespeare had in mind when writing his works. This is where Seattle Shakespeare Company comes in!
As a local, Puget Sound-area nonprofit theater company, we can help you to connect your students to a live, in-person experience of Shakespeare. We can send professional teaching artists to your school to help students get up on their feet and act out some Shakespeare. We provide discounted student matinee tickets for schools to bring their students to our productions. And we can send our 6-actor touring performances to your schools, all across the state of Washington, from Greys Harbor to Spokane and everywhere in between.
This guide is intended to supplement your teaching of Shakespeare with a little about why we at Seattle Shakespeare Company think Shakespeare is relevant today, and includes a few of our favorite in-class activities to do with students at the beginning of their Shakespeare unit. We’ve also included information about this season’s upcoming productions, so you can get a taste of what we do here at Seattle Shakespeare Company, and consider bringing your students to see a live performance of Shakespeare. Finally, we have included some play-specific information as an example of the sort of articles we include in our study guides when you book a student matinee with us. We hope you enjoy this free guide, and that you’ll get a feel for what Seattle Shakespeare Company can do for you!
Thank you for all you do for your students, and for connecting your classroom with live Shakespeare performance. We couldn’t do it without you!
Best, Michelle Burce Education Director
www.seattleshakespeare.org/education 206-733-8228 ext. 251 or [email protected] STUDY GUIDE CONTENTS
PLOT SYNOPSISES Waiting for Godot ...... 1 Twelfth Night ...... 2 Measure for Measure ...... 3 Tartuffe ...... 4 Macbeth (tour) ...... 5 Romeo and Juliet (tour) ...... 6 Othello ...... 7
REFERENCE Macbeth Glossary ...... 8
REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Romeo and Juliet (tour) ...... 9 Othello ...... 10
ACTIVITIES The Art of Tableaux ...... 11 Themes: Twelfth Night ...... 12 Shakespearean Compliments and Insults ...... 12 Cross the Line: Themes and Quotations ...... 12
ACTIVITY WORKSHEETS Themes: Twelfth Night ...... 13 Shakespearean Compliments and Insults ...... 14 Cross the Line: Themes and Quotations ...... 15 PLOT SYNOPSIS Waiting for Godot September, 2014 Best for: 10th grade and up Curriculum Connections: Existentialism, Theatre of the Absurd
Two friends, Vladimir (Didi) and Estragon (Gogo), meet near a tree. They talk and soon it is revealed that they are meeting someone named Godot at that very spot. Didi and Gogo try to amuse themselves to pass the time, bantering, bickering, trying to recall old jokes. Gogo often wants to leave, but Didi always says they must wait for Godot.
Their conversation is interrupted by Pozzo, a merchant, and his silent servant, Lucky. The arrogant Pozzo talks to Didi and Gogo about his travels while he eats lunch, which is torture for the hungry Gogo. Wanting to entertain his new friends, Pozzo commands Lucky to dance, which Lucky does awkwardly. Pozzo then tells Lucky to think. Lucky begins to speak, but his words quickly turn into mindless nonsense and he is only interrupted wheh Didi removes Lucky’s hat. Pozzo and Lucky Sir Patrick Steward and Sir Ian McKellen in a 2013 Broadway production of leave, as Didi and Gogo wonder if they have met them before. Waiting for Godot.
A boy comes in with a message from Godot, who says he will come tomorrow. Didi asks the boy questions before releasing him. Didi and Gogo resolve to leave the tree and find shelter, yet make no attempt to do so.
The next day, Didi and Gogo are at the same spot. Gogo says he slept in a ditch and was beaten, yet seems to be uninjured. Didi tries to talk to Gogo about the previous day’s events, but he can’t recall them at first. As they wait for Godot, they play games and even pretend to be Pozzo and Lucky.
Suddenly Pozzo and Lucky appear. Pozzo is blind and cannot remember meeting them yesterday. His arrogance is gone and he seems to be in utter despair. Lucky eventually leads him away and Gogo goes to sleep. The same boy from the day before enters and informs Didi that Godot will not come today, but will tomorrow. Desperate, Didi begs the boy for more, but the boy has no memory of talking to him before. He exits and Didi and Gogo sit at the tree to wait. They mull over the idea of killing themselves and resolve to bring some rope tomorrow in case Godot doesn’t appear. They keep on waiting. Playwright Samuel Beckett (second from left) poses with the cast of the original 1953 production of Waiting for Godot.
1 PLOT SYNOPSIS Twelfth Night October–November, 2014 Best for: All Ages Curriculum Connections: The Shakespearean Fool, Classic Shakespeare Comedies, Twins in Literature
Twelfth Night begins on the shore of Illyria, where Viola has survived a shipwreck but fears that her twin brother, Sebastian, has drowned. After learning about her new surroundings from the ship’s captain, Viola disguises herself as a young man and sets out to find employment from Duke Orsino.
Orsino has been sending messengers to court the Lady Olivia. He is convinced, from what he hears, that she is his ideal match. After Viola (disguised as ‘Cesario’) arrives at his court, it only takes a few days to become a favorite of Duke Orsino. The Duke imagines that ‘Cesario’s’ youthful face will appeal to Olivia and sends ‘him’ to woo her on his behalf. Viola dutifully takes on the task, even though she has fallen in love with Orsino herself!
Meanwhile in Olivia’s house, Olivia refuses to see any suitors because she has dedicated herself to seven years of mourning for her recently deceased brother. Her uncle Sir Toby Belch thinks that his niece is being foolish and brings his friend Sir Orsino, Cesario (Viola), and Feste in Seattle Shakespeare Company’s 2012 free Andrew Aguecheek, a foolish knight, to woo Olivia. They are outdoor production of Twelfth Night. reprimanded by the maid, Maria, for drinking late into the night and making merry in a house of mourning. Only the fool, Feste, Sir Andrew is discouraged by Olivia’s continued favor toward can lift Olivia’s spirits. ‘Cesario,” so Sir Toby convinces Sir Andrew to challenge the youth to a duel. Just as they are about to fight, Antonio They are interrupted by news that a messenger from Orsino happens upon the scene and, believing Viola to be her is waiting at the gate. ‘Cesario’ enters and is granted private brother Sebastian, intervenes and is arrested. Later Sir Andrew audience with Olivia. It becomes clear, as ‘Cesario’ tries to encounters the real Sebastian on the street and re-issues his convince Olivia of Orsino’s worthy love, that Olivia is instead challenge, but Sebastian soundly beats him. Olivia arrives and falling for ‘Cesario.’ When Viola leaves, Olivia sends her mistakes Sebastian for ‘Cesario,’ asking him to marry her. He is melancholy steward Malvolio to bring a ring to the youth and immediately smitten by her beauty and agrees. say it was left behind. The appearance of Sebastian in town sends everyone into Malvolio intercepts Viola on her way back to Orsino’s and presents confusion. Antonio accuses ‘Cesario’ of not repaying the money the ‘forgotten’ ring, telling her only to return to tell Olivia of how he lent to Sebastian. Olivia embraces ‘Cesario’ saying they have Orsino takes the news of her rejection. Viola accepts the ring in been married, much to Viola’s shock. Sir Toby and Sir Andrew confusion, but realizes to her dismay that this is a sign that Olivia accuse ‘Cesario’ of assaulting them in the street. In the midst of all has fallen in love with ‘Cesario’ instead of Orsino! Viola’s denials, Sebastian arrives. The twins recognize each other, Elsewhere in Illyria, Viola’s twin brother, Sebastian, has survived Viola is revealed as a woman, and they clear up the confusion. the shipwreck but believes that Viola has perished. He too In the end, Viola marries Orsino, Sebastian and Olivia remain sets off for Duke Orsino’s court. Sebastian’s friend, the sea happily wed, and Sir Toby offers to marry Maria to make up for captain Antonio, has enemies in Orsino’s court, but pledges to all the trouble he has given her. It is only vengeful Malvolio who accompany Sebastian to keep him safe. does not live happily ever after. At Olivia’s house, more late night merrymaking is interrupted by the disapproving Malvolio. After he leaves, Maria concocts an elaborate trick to be played on him. Forging a love letter from Olivia, she will encourage Malvolio to take on a series of ridiculous behaviors --- all carefully planned to put him out of Olivia’s favor. Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Feste all agree to help with the trick, which leads to Malvolio falling for it entirely and being confined as a madman. 2 PLOT SYNOPSIS Measure for Measure January, 2015 Best for: 10th grade and up Curriculum Connections: Shakespeare’s problem plays, morality and hypocrisy
In Vienna, Duke Vicentio lets it be known that he is departing the Isabella then meets a Friar Lodwick. This is, in fact, the Duke in city for a time due to a diplomatic mission. He gives care of the disguise who wanted to keep an eye on Angelo. He befriends city to Angelo, a strict judge. Angelo’s first decree is to enforce Isabella and presents a plan to help her. He proposes that a rule that sex outside of marriage is punishable by death. A Isabella should give in to Angelo’s demand, but another nobleman, Claudio, is thus arrested due to his relationship with woman should go in her place. The Duke proposes that Juliet, to whom he is not married, who has become pregnant. Mariana, who was once betrothed to Angelo, assume Isabella’s Despite the fact that the relationship is consensual, Angelo place on the night the rendezvous. intends to use Claudio as an example and sentences him to die. Everything goes according to plan. However, Angelo goes Claudio’s friend Lucio tells Claudio’s sister Isabella the news. back on his word and demands to see Claudio’s head. The Isabella, who is a novice nun, goes to Angelo to plead for his Duke quickly works to find a prisoner to sacrifice to Claudio and life. Angelo becomes consumed with lust for her and says he manages to learn of a pirate who has died in prison. The pirate’s will release her brother if she sleeps with him. Shocked, Isabella head is cut off and sent to Angelo. However, the Duke does not refuses. She goes to her brother to share what’s happened and tell Isabella that her brother is alive. tells him to be resigned to his fate. Claudio pleads with her to change her mind, but she refuses. The Duke “returns” to Vienna and holds court. Both Isabella and Mariana accuse Angelo of his crimes and Angelo denies everything. It becomes obvious as the truth is slowly revealed that the “Friar” is going to be held responsible for everything. The Duke leaves Angelo to judge the case and returns in his friar disguise. Eventually, he reveals his true identity, condemning Angelo as a liar and sentencing him to death. Mariana pleads for Angelo’s life, even asking Isabella for help. The Duke eventually lifts the death sentence on Angelo, provided he marries Mariana. He then reveals that Claudio is still alive.
The Duke now deals with Claudio’s friend, Lucio, who has been insulting the Duke to the Friar during the course of the story. Like Angelo, he is sentenced to an unwanted marriage. Finally, the Duke proposes marriage to Isabella. She does not answer.
Isabella and Angelo in Seattle Shakespeare Company’s 20o3 production of Measure for Measure.
3 PLOT SYNOPSIS Tartuffe March–April, 2015 Best for: 6th grade and up Curriculum Connections: French farce theatre, morality and hypocrisy
The play opens with Madame Pernelle, visiting her son Orgon’s house. She criticizes everyone in the house and compares them unfavorably to their boarder, Tartuffe. She describes Tartuffe as a pious man and praises his holiness and devotion. The others object, saying he is a hypocrite and his piousness is false, but she rejects their claims. As she leaves, she scolds everyone and tells them to be more like Tartuffe.
Cléante and Dorine, the maid, discuss Tartuffe, and agree that both Madame Pernelle and Orgon have been fooled by Tar- tuffe into believing that he is holy and pious. Damis, Orgon’s son, wonders whether Orgon will still allow Mariane, Orgon’s daughter, to marry her love Valère. Damis wants to marry Valère’s sister, so he prods Cléante into asking Orgon about Mariane’s marriage.
Orgon arrives home, and instead of asking about his wife’s illness, he asks about Tartuffe’s wellbeing. Cléante tries to speak with Orgon about Tartuffe, but Orgon can only sing Tartuffe’s praises. When Cléante asks about the wedding between Mariane and Valère, Orgon dodges the question. Mariane Seattle Shakespeare Company’s 20o8 production of Moliere’s The Miser. herself arrives, and Orgon tells her that he would like for her to marry Tartuffe, to ally him to their house forever. Mariane is Finally convinced that Tartuffe is not as good as he appears, shocked, but does not outright refuse because she wants to be Orgon reveals himself and orders Tartuffe to depart. But Tar- an obedient daughter. tuffe reveals that he now owns Orgon’s house according to the papers that they both signed, so Tartuffe orders Orgon to Dorine scolds Mariane for not refusing to marry Tartuffe. When depart. When Madame Parnell arrives, she is finally convinced of Valère arrives, he angrily accuses Mariane of being false and Tartuffe’s wickedness, but it is too late. consenting to marry Tartuffe. Dorine steps in to reconcile them, and they come up with a plan to expose Tartuffe’s hypocrisy. An officer of the king arrives, but instead of evicting Orgon and his family, he brings news that the king has wisely seen through Damis is also determined to expose Tartuffe to Orgon. He Tartuffe’s hypocrisy, and orders Tartuffe arrested and imprisoned hides in a closet to overhear Tartuffe profess his love to for his crimes. The king restores all of Orgon’s property to him. Elmire, Orgon’s wife. Tartuffe suggests that they become lovers behind Orgon’s back, saying it is not a sin if they are not discovered. Damis reveals himself and threatens to tattle on Tartuffe to Orgon. When Orgon arrives, he will not believe anything ill about Tartuffe, and instead thinks that his son is trying to defame Tartuffe’s good name. He disinherits his son, and plans to make Tartuffe his only heir.
Cléante tries to confront Tartuffe, but he only receives trite religious sayings as responses before Tartuffe hastily departs. Orgon and Elmire arrive, and Orgon tells his wife of his plans to ally Tartuffe to their house. Elmire begs Orgon to hide and ob- serve Tartuffe’s actions before he goes through with Mariane’s marriage and Tartuffe’s inheriting of all of Orgon’s property. Or- gon agrees and hides in a closet, while Elmire sends for Tartuffe. When he arrives, he attempts to seduce Elmire once again, and at the same time makes insulting comments about Orgon. 4 PLOT SYNOPSIS Macbeth (tour) Tours March–May, 2015 Best for: Well-prepared 5th graders and up Curriculum Connections: Scottish history, magic and witchcraft
As the play opens we hear of Macbeth’s bravery in a recent battle. The Thane of Cawdor is arrested and King Duncan gives his title to Macbeth. Macbeth and his friend Banquo go to meet three witches, who prophesize Macbeth’s new title and say that he will be king. Finding the first prophecy to be true, Macbeth wonders how he will become king while Duncan and his sons still live. Informed in a letter of the witches’ prophecy, Lady Macbeth prepares for the arrival of King Duncan, convinced that she and Macbeth should kill him. When Macbeth arrives, Lady Macbeth tells him her plan: they will kill Duncan while his drunken servants sleep, and then plant the incriminating evidence on the servants.
Macbeth has a vision of a bloody dagger that leads him to Duncan’s room, where he carries out the murder. Macbeth returns with the bloody daggers. Lady Macbeth scolds him for keeping the daggers and goes to place the weasons with the servants, framing them for the murder. Macbeth fears that he is now cursed, but Lady Macbeth assures him that they will get away with it. The other nobles arrive to join the king, and Macduff discovers Duncan murdered in his bed. Macbeth kills the two servants in a fit of rage when they are discovered with the bloody daggers. Duncan’s sons Malcolm and Donalbain, fearing for their lives, flee the kingdom. They are now suspects for the murder, and Macbeth is crowned king of Scotland. Macbeth and Macduff battle in Seattle Shakespeare Company’s 2011 free outdoor production of Macbeth. Macbeth’s friend Banquo is suspicious of Macbeth, and Macbeth is jealous that Banquo was prophesied to be the father of a line of kings. Macbeth The English army reaches Birnam Wood and the soldiers disguise arranges the murder of Banquo and his son Fleance to prevent the themselves by each cutting a tree branch to hold in front of them- prophecy. Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes. Macbeth prepares a feast selves as they march on Dunsinane castle. Seeing this, a servant tells for the nobles, but the ghost of Banquo appears to Macbeth and sends Macbeth that Birnam Wood seems to be moving. Macbeth is furious him into a frenzy of terror. Lady Macbeth tries to hide his odd behavior, but and goes out to fight. Macduff challenges Macbeth, and as they fight the party ends as the nobles begin to question Macbeth’s sanity. Macbeth Macduff reveals that he was not “of woman born” but was “untimely leaves to hear more prophecy from the three witches. Macduff and ripped” from his mothers womb. Macbeth is stunned but refuses to Malcolm meet in England to prepare an army to march on Scotland. yield to Macduff. Macbeth is killed and his head is cut off. Macduff is proclaimed the new king of Scotland. The three witches tell Macbeth to fear no man “of woman born” and that Macbeth will only fall when Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Castle. Macbeth takes comfort in this prophecy, assuming that he is invincible. When he asks if the prophecy about Banquo will come true, they show him a procession of kings, all of whom are Banquo’s descendants.
Lady Macbeth has gone mad and reveals her guilt while sleepwalking and trying to wash Duncan’s blood from her hands. Macbeth is too occupied with battle preparations to pay attention to her, and is angry with when the doctor cannot cure her. As the castle is attacked, Lady Macbeth dies, perhaps by her own hand. Macbeth is shaken, but reminds himself of the prophecy that he can only be killed when impossible things happen.
5 PLOT SYNOPSIS Romeo and Juliet (tour) Tours March–May, 2015 Best for: 5th grade and up Curriculum Connections: Shakespeare’s tragedies, Renaissance Italy
two lovers are married and part, planning to meet secretly that night. That afternoon Tybalt attempts to pick a fight with Romeo. Romeo refuses, but Mercutio takes up his sword to return Tybalt’s insult. As Romeo tries to break up the fight, he restrains Mercutio, who is fatally stabbed. Romeo, enraged at the death of his friend, kills Tybalt and is banished by the prince.
The Nurse tells Juliet that Romeo has been sentenced to banishment for killing Tybalt. Romeo and Juliet have only one night together after they are married before Romeo must leave the city or be killed.
Unaware that Juliet has already married Romeo, the Capulets plan for her to marry Paris. Juliet goes to Friar Lawrence for help. He gives her a sleeping potion that will make her appear dead for two days, and tells her to take it the night before her wedding to Paris. The Friar says he will send a message to Romeo letting him know of the plan so that Romeo can find her in the tomb and they will be reunited when she awakens.
Romeo hears about Juliet’s death — not through the Friar’s messenger but from his servant. In grief, Romeo returns to the city determined to be with Juliet in death. He goes to the Seattle Shakespeare Company’s 2014 statewide tour of Romeo and Juliet. apothecary and buys poison, then goes to Juliet’s tomb. There he find Paris and they fight. Romeo kills Paris, then takes the The play opens with a brawl between servants of the feuding poison and kills himself. Juliet wakes too late to stop him and Capulet and Montague families. The Prince of Verona breaks finds her love dead beside her. Friar Lawrence arrives but is up the fight and threatens death for anyone “who disturbs our unable to divert further tragedy. Using Romeo’s dagger, Juliet streets” again. takes her own life.
A great celebration is being planned by the Capulets to which The two families find Romeo and Juliet dead together in the everyone in the town is invited except the Montagues. During tomb, and realize that they need to put their feud behind them. the party they introduce their young daughter Juliet to Count Paris in the hopes that they will marry. Romeo, Benvolio (both Montagues), and Mercutio decide to attend this party in disguise so that Romeo will get his mind off of Rosaline, an unattainable girl whom he loves.
Romeo is enchanted the moment he sees Juliet from across the room, and forgets all about Rosaline. He talks with her and she becomes as entranced as he is. Juliet’s cousin Tybalt notices that Romeo and his kinsmen are trespassing at the party, but at Lady Capulet’s command he restrains himself from starting a fight. Romeo sneaks back into the garden, where he hears Juliet talking to herself about the danger of loving an enemy. He shows himself and speaks to Juliet. They exchange vows of love and plan to marry in secret the next day. The cast of Romeo and Juliet host a free post-play Q&A with students,
Romeo begs Friar Lawrence to marry him and Juliet. Friar Lawrence agrees, hoping that the marriage might end the feud between the families and bring peace to the town. The 6 PLOT SYNOPSIS Othello April–May, 2015 Best for: 7th grade and up Curriculum Connections: Racism and prejudice
On a dark night in Venice Iago speaks with Roderigo who is angry about the swift and secret marriage ceremony between Othello, a high-ranking soldier, and Desdemona. Roderigo is in love with Desdemona, and Iago is upset because Othello over- looked him for a promotion that was given to a young officer named Cassio instead. The pair run to Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, and inform him of the marriage. Brabantio is furious.
Meanwhile, news arrives in Venice that the Turks are going to at- tack Cyprus. Othello is summoned by the State to give council. Brabantio arrives and accuses Othello of seducing Desdemona. Desdemona rushes to the scene and defends her new husband by explaining that she truly loves him. The Duke of Venice orders Othello to command the military operation against the Turks in Cyprus. Desdemona joins him along with Cassio, Iago, and Iago’s wife Emilia, who is also Desdemona’s maid. Iago persuades Roderigo to travel in secret to Cyprus promising that Iago, Othello, and Desdemona in Seattle Shakespeare Company’s 2014 statewide tour of Othello. Desdemona will tire of her new husband.
When the group arrives in Cyprus, they find that the Turkish fleet With all the pieces in place, Iago acts quickly to put the final has been destroyed in a storm and a celebration is planned. Iago moves of his twisted game into motion. He reunites with Rod- schemes to use Cassio as a pawn in his game to ruin Othello. He erigo and convinces him to kill Cassio. Roderigo attacks and persuades Roderigo to pick a drunken fight with Cassio. Upon wounds Cassio that very night as he leaves Bianca’s house. A learning of Cassio’s violent involvement, Othello strips him of his struggle ensues and Iago jumps from the shadows appearing to title and gives it to Iago. Cassio is distraught over his damaged aid Cassio by wrestling Roderigo away. With Cassio injured Iago reputation. Iago encourages Cassio to talk with Desdemona stabs Roderigo as he no longer has use for him. about convincing Othello to reinstate him. At the same time, Othello creeps into the bed chamber where With Cassio stealing private moments with Desdemona, Iago Desdemona lay asleep. Before he can harm her, she wakes and convinces Othello that he should be suspicious of the pair. pleads for her life. He does not want to listen and carries out Desdemona can feel Othello’s unrest and attempts to dote on his plan to smother her with a pillow. Emilia knocks at the door him with her strawberry embroidered handkerchief, which was and rushes to her lady’s side. When she sees Desdemona’s life- his first gift to her. He bats away her gesture and the handker- less form she cries for help. Iago, a bandaged Cassio, and other chief is left in Desdemona’s chamber. Emilia sees the handker- officers run to the chamber. When Othello holds up the hand- chief and gives it to Iago who has been pestering her to steal it. kerchief as proof of Desdemona’s infidelity, Emilia is dismayed. Iago plants it in Cassio’s room and quickly tells Othello that he She demands that Iago explain. Iago grabs Emilia and stabs her spotted Cassio with the handkerchief. Cassio, meanwhile, gave to keep her silent. In her dying breaths, Emilia reveals the truth the token to a pretty local girl, Bianca. Othello grows more dis- behind the stolen handkerchief, drags herself to Desdemona’s turbed at the idea of Desdemona cheating on him with Cassio. corpse and dies at her side. Othello cuts Iago and demands to Iago suggests Othello spy on Iago as he questions Cassio about know his reason, but Iago vows to remain silent. Devastated, the handkerchief. As Iago asks Cassio about Bianca, Othello, Othello turns to the crowd, draws his sword and kills himself on hearing only part of the conversation, assumes Cassio is talking the bed wherein Desdemona rests. about Desdemona. To make matters worse, Bianca storms in and throws the handkerchief back at Cassio for she knows it was owned by another woman. Othello demands that Iago kill Cassio while he kills Desdemona.
7 REFERENCE Glossary: Macbeth Shakespeare uses a lot of words that are unfamiliar to us today. His vocabulary has been estimated to be over 17,000 words — quadruple that of an average, well-educated conversationalist of today! Here are some words from Macbeth that you may never have heard before, or that have different meanings from today. See how many you recognize!
Avouch Franchised (v) assure, guarantee (adj) free from evil, upright
Beguile Heath (v) cheat, deceive, trick (n) a tract of uncultivated land Hie Bestride (v) hasten, hurry, speed (v) stand over, protect, safeguard Incarnadine Brainsickly (v) redden, turn blood-red (adv) foolishly, in such an addle-headed way Jocund Breach (adj) merry, joyful, cheerful (n) tear, gap, hole Niggard Brinded (n) miser, mean person, skinflint (adj) streaked, striped, tabby Pall Chid (past tense of “chide”) (v) wrap, cover, drape (v) scold, rebuke, reprove Parricide Clamour (n) patricide, murder of a father (n) protest, complaint, outcry Seeling Cleave (adj) concealing, screening (v) stick, adhere Shoughs Clept (past tense of “clepe”) (n) shaggy-haired Icelandic dogs (v) call, name, style Suborn’d Confound (v) bribe, corrupt, persuade someone to commit perjury (v) destroy, overthrow, ruin Swinish Doff (adj) coarse, gross, comparing to pigs (v) throw off, get rid of Thane Dolour (n) a nobleman (n) sorrow, grief Verity Dun (n) truth, veracity (adj) dark, murky, gloomy
Equivocator (n) dealer in ambiguities, trader in double-meanings
8 REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Romeo and Juliet (tour)
Before the Performance: Family rivalry is a major theme in Romeo and Juliet. Can These questions help students to think about some of the big you think of a time when you had a rivalry with another ideas behind the play before watching it. person or group of people? What about a rivalry between schools? Between cities? Between countries? What causes these rivalries? Juliet is the only daughter of the Capulet family and her parents expect her to marry a wealthy, powerful man. Think of a time in your life when your parents had expectations for you, either explicit or implied. Was the expectation Have you ever kept a big secret from your friends? Your reasonable? Was it something you were willing to do? family? Why did you keep that secret? How did it make you feel to leave your friends or family in the dark?
After the Performance: Images of light and darkness are throughout the play. These questions help lead a discussion with your class after Think about all of the references to night, dawn, sun, seeing the play. There are many possible answers and student moon, torches, and lightning in the play. Why do you think response will vary. There is no wrong answer, so long as Shakespeare included this motif in the play? How does it students use examples from the play to back up their opinions. add to the story? Some possible responses are provided. • Light and darkness could represent openness and secrecy, hiding things in darkness. There is a lot of secrecy in the The Nurse and Mercutio, played by the same actor in our play, and the light could be “shedding light” on that. production, are both bad news in the lives of Romeo and • Light and darkness could also be a metaphor for good Juliet. How do each of them push the story toward its and bad events. Darkness could be Mercutio’s death, final tragic ending? Romeo’s banishment, and the ongoing feud. Light could • The Nurse helps Juliet get together with Romeo, but in the be the young love, marriage, and friendship. Light is final test she refuses to help Juliet get out of her engagement seen when there is hope and goodness, while darkness to Paris, and won’t stand up to Juliet’s parents. is present when there is death and sadness. In the show, darkness snuffs out the light. • Mercutio gives Romeo a hard time about love, so that he doesn’t want to talk with his friends about Juliet. Mercutio • Light represents the good, young, idealistic characters fights Tybalt when Romeo would not and further widens like Romeo and Juliet. They talk about light, and believe the divide between the two families with his posturing, that the light will never fade. Darkness represents the bad insults, and ultimately his death. characters, or those who cause bad things to happen.
Who is/are the “villain(s)” of the story? Who is responsible for If Romeo and Juliet had lived, do you think they would have all of the tragic events? been a happy couple? Why or why not? • The villain is Tybalt. He incites Romeo and Mercutio to violence. • Yes! They were both young, kind individuals. They would have Even after death, he still keeps Romeo and Juliet apart. tried very hard to make each other happy for a long time. • The villain is Lady Capulet. If she wasn’t so intent on getting • Yes. Their families were both very wealthy, so if their marriage Juliet married off, Juliet and Romeo might have ended up had forged a peace they would have lived very comfortably. all right. Her feud with the Montagues also kept them apart. • Probably not. Their families hated each other, so they • Romeo is responsible for the tragic events. If he hadn’t been would probably face a lot of challenges around their in such a hurry and so hot-headed, they probably could secret marriage when it was finally revealed. Juliet might have figured out a way to live happily ever after. have even been disowned for marrying Tybalt’s killer. • Friar is responsible for the ultimate tragedy and deaths. • Definitely not! Romeo and Juliet don’t even know each He married Romeo and Juliet in secret, then gave Juliet a other! They rushed right into marriage, and that’s a sleeping drug and failed to let Romeo know what happened. recipe for disaster.
9 REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Othello
Before the Performance: When was the last time someone acted outside of your These questions help students to think about some of the big expectations for them? For example, when someone ideas behind the play before watching it. you respect did something bad, or someone you dislike helped you out? Was this a public figure or a close friend? Did your views of this person change because of this? How do people behave differently when they are away from home — either on vacation, or traveling for another reason? Why might people act differently when they are out of their normal environment? Have you, or anyone you know, ever been judged based on their race? Take a moment to watch this social experiment online: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge7i60GuNRg How important is it to have a good reputation? Consider How big of a problem is racism in our society today? both your reputation with people you know, and your online or more public reputation.
After the Performance: These questions help lead a discussion with your class after Discuss Emilia’s role in the play. How does she push the seeing the play. There are many possible answers and student action forward? Was she necessary to Iago’s plot, or would response will vary. There is no wrong answer, so long as he have been just as successful without her? Is she a weak students use examples from the play to back up their opinions. or strong character? Some possible responses are provided. • Emilia was necessary to the plot — without her, Iago would never have gotten Desdemona’s handkerchief to convince Othello of Desdemona’s infidelity, and Othello Besides the Renaissance setting of Shakespeare’s Othello, would never have known the full truth about his wife’s what other time and place settings could be used to innocence in the end. highlight the themes and tragic events of the play? • Emilia was not that necessary. Iago had many tricks up • The play could be set during the Civil War and Othello his sleeve. could be a Union soldier. This would highlight a lot of the racism that he faces. • Emilia is a strong character, because she finally stands up to Iago. • The play could be set during 1960’s Vietnam, with the civil rights movement as a backdrop. • Emilia is a weak character, because she stayed silent for most of the play and let Iago dominate her. • The play could be set in a high school where a new kid or an outsider of some sort is disliked by the other kids who have been there for a long time. Othello could be great at football and inspire jealousy from others. Was it possible to stop Iago from carrying out his plan? What, if anything, could each character have done differently in order to prevent the tragedy?
Do you think Othello started out as an inherently jealous • Othello could have trusted his wife, or communicated person? What makes a jealous person? Who else in the directly with Cassio and Desdemona. story could be considered a jealous person, and how are • Desdemona could have intervened with Othello earlier, or they similar to or different from Othello? gone to someone she trusted to help her. • No, Othello did not start jealous. He was pushed there by Iago. • Cassio could have come clean with Othello, or left Cyprus • Yes, Othello was a jealous person. You can tell because he and Othello’s service. never talked to his wife about her affair with Cassio, but • Emilia could have done a lot, since she knew Iago’s role in instead just assumed she was unfaithful. the tragedy and was never under suspicion from Othello. • Iago was very jealous of Cassio’s promotion, but was much • Roderigo could have gone to Othello as soon as he was more cool and calculating than Othello. being taken advantage of by Iago.
10 ACTIVITIES The Art of Tableaux
Time: 30 minutes Student Skills: Taking direction, listening, working together Play(s): Romeo and Juliet, Othello
What does a scene look like? This activity is about freezing a Instructions — The Physical Scene (Groups): moment of action to tell a story. We can tell stories through a frozen picture made with our bodies — called a tableau. Our • Explain to your students that they are now going to work in activity has two parts — the first warms students up to the task larger groups, taking on specific characters and situations of using themselves to create these pictures and lets them see found in a specific scene from Romeo and Juliet or Othello. how much information can be delivered and understood in a The whole process is collaborative. They will have 5 – 10 frozen moment. The second part makes scenic pictures from the minutes to work on their tableaux. Then each tableau will be play, focusing on each character’s need within the scene. shared with the class. • Explain to your students that the tableau’s objective is to To Prepare: We recommend you do this activity after you have clearly tell the main event in the scene. Each character shared the characters and synopsis, and before you see the play. should have his/her own distinct reaction to the situation. Ask your students to dress for action and be prepared to sit on the floor. Push all the desks to the periphery of the room. Have • Assign each group a specific moment in the play. the students in the center of the room. It is ok for students to lean • When these are shared, be sure to do the tableaux in on desks or even to sit on the ground in front of their desks, but chronological order, as they appear in the play. the idea is to create a different learning/play space and to have everyone out from behind desks. Instructions — Sculpting (Partners): Romeo and Juliet Scenes: • Divide students into pairs. Have them all work (space • The Capulets and Montagues hate each other and are permitted) on one side of the room. constantly fighting. • Number the students 1 and 2. Student 1 acts as the sculptor, • Romeo meets Juliet at a party, and finds out from the Student 2 acts as the clay. Student 1 then “sculpts” Student Nurse that she is a Capulet. 2 into an image on the theme of LOVE”(Romeo and Juliet / • Tybalt challenge Romeo to a fight. When Romeo refuses, Othello). This should take no more than two minutes. Mercutio fights and gets killed. • When all “sculptures” are completed, have all of Student 1 • While Romeo is banished, Juliet’s family orders her to participants cross to the other side to observe their work as a marry Paris. The Nurse advises her to go through with it. whole. Student 2 participants stay frozen. • Romeo returns to find Juliet in her tomb. He kills Paris, • Ask for feedback from the sculptors: What do they see? What and the Friar and families arrive too late to stop Romeo does each “statue” think about the person they are greeting? and Juliet’s deaths. How are you getting that information? • What could make a stronger picture? • The Student 2 participants then have their turn sculpting Othello Scenes: the Student 1 participants. This time have students create a statue on the theme of DESPAIR (Romeo and Juliet) or • Desdemona’s father accuses Othello of bewitching JEALOUSY (Othello). his daughter, after Roderigo and Iago inform him of their marriage. • When all Student 1 participants have been sculpted, have all of Student 2 participants cross to the other side to observe their • Othello discovers Cassio drunk and belligerent, and strips work as a whole. Student 1 participants stay frozen. him of his rank. • Again ask the sculptors to observe each others’ work and • Emilia steals Desdemona’s handkerchief, and gives it to Iago. discuss what they see. • Othello sees Cassio talking about his affair with Bianca, Now we are going to relate the tableau experience to the but thinks he is talking about Desdemona. scenes in the play. • Othello smothers Desdemona, Emilia confesses her knowledge of Iago’s plot, and Iago kills his own wife out of anger.
11 ACTIVITIES Themes: Twelfth Night Cross the Line: Time: 20 minutes Themes and Quotations Student Skills: Determining themes, writing narratives Play(s): Twelfth Night Time: 10 minutes each Student Skills: Listening, choice-making, observation Themes are the overall messages conveyed by a work of Play (Quotations): Multiple literature. They are usually universal ideas that are implied Play (Themes): Romeo and Juliet, Othello by the story rather than explicitly stated. This activity guides students to explore which themes in Twelfth Night are “Themes” introduces students to some of the themes from relevant to them. either Romeo and Juliet or Othello. These two activities can be done one after another. Instructions: “Quotations” shows students how much of Shakespeare’s Cut out the various themes and put them in the order of language they already know. This is great as a first activity to importance to you from most to least. Write a response to the warm students up to the language. theme that spoke to you the most. How did it make you think of something in your own life? The questions are there to To Prepare: Ask your students to dress for action and be pre- guide or prompt, not to quiz. pared to sit on the floor. Push all the desks to the periphery of the room. Have the students in the center of the room. Worksheet: see page 13 ______Instructions: • Have students create two rows facing one another, with 7–10 feet between them. Shakespearean • Point out that there is an imaginary line in the middle, between the two rows. Compliments and Insults • Tell the students that this is a game to be played without talking. Time: 10 minutes • Tell the students that you will be saying a series of quotes/phrases Student Skills: working in pairs, determining, speaking clearly that start with the instruction phrase, “Cross the line if . . .” Play(s): Any • Ask for observations. What did the students find surprising?
In this activity, students practice speaking Shakespeare by • For younger students: You can alter the exercise by addressing each other with short Shakespearean insults and changing the verb on how they cross the line (slink, hop, run, compliments of their own creation. This will help students glide, skip, etc). to approach Shakespeare as something that is fun and • For Cross the Line Themes: Some of these prompts may be understandable. Help students reason out what each of the difficult, so be sure to give students time to think and cross insults or compliments mean. For example, what might it mean the line. if I called someone “unmuzzled”? What about “eye-offending”? • For Cross the Line Quotations: Students do not need to know Adapted from activities from Folger Shakespeare. what play the quote is from, they should just cross if they have ever heard that phrase before. Instructions: Have students pair up and look through the list of insults and Worksheet: see page 15 compliments. They should work together to decide what they might mean — are they insulting or complimentary? — and choose their favorite way to address each other. Then go around the room and hear everyone’s lines. Students should stand up to address each other, and use their biggest, broadest acting voices!
Worksheet: see page 14
12 ACTIVITY WORKSHEETS Themes: Twelfth Night Activity instructions on page 12
Search for Identity Disguise Who is looking for their identity in the play? How does Viola is not the only character who uses a disguise. What this relate to your life as a student now? are some of the disguises used in our society?
Outsiders Fate/Fortune/Chance Who are the outsiders in Illyria, and how do they What is the likelihood of twins surviving the storm and influence the atmosphere in Illyria? Do you have a ending up in the same place? Are there other instances personal experience about an outsider coming into a of “meant to be” that you can find? group and changing the dynamics of the group?
Madness Misdirected Love Harold Bloom says that “Everyone in the play is mad Which characters are in love with someone who cannot/ except for Feste, the clown.” Why would he say that? will never love them back? Can you relate to someone in your own experience?
Social Order Trickery Malvolio is misused by Sir Tobey and company because Who is the character who is tricked in Twelfth Night? he is reaching beyond his place in the social order. Why Does he/she deserve it? is this the English and not the American standard?
13 ACTIVITY WORKSHEETS Shakespearean Compliments and Insults Activity instructions on page 12
Opening phrases: “You are my…” “Halt! Thou…” “Never did I see a more…” “What, ho…?”
Choose one word from each column:
Column A Column B Column C divine honey-tongued cuckoo-bud sweet well-wishing toast fruitful fair-faced nose-herb gentle best-tempered wafer-cake sugared tender-hearted pigeon-egg flowering tiger-booted welsh cheese precious smooth-faced valentine gallant thunder-darting true-penny delicate sweet-suggesting song celestial young-eyed dogfish unmuzzled angel-haired maypole greasy eye-offending hedge-pig saucy dim-witted pirate bawdy onion-eyed minimus vacant rug-headed egg-shell peevish empty-hearted buzzard impish mad-brained ruffian
14 WORKSHEETS Cross the Line: Themes and Quotations Activity instructions on page 12
THEMES: Romeo and Juliet QUOTATIONS Cross the line if . . . Cross the line if you have ever heard ...... you have ever been confused at why two To be or not to be, Hamlet groups of people hated each other. Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears, Julius Caesar . . . you have ever liked someone you weren’t What the dickens, The Merry Wives of Windsor supposed to like. A dish fit for the gods, Julius Caesar . . . you have had friends who fought with each As dead as a doornail, Henry VI, pt.2 other. Beware the ides of March, Julius Caesar . . . you have gotten conflicting advice from au- Love is blind, The Merchant of Venice thority figures. Fair is foul and foul is fair, Macbeth . . . you have felt unsupported by the adults in All that glistens is not gold, The Merchant of Venice your life. Foul play, Pericles I have not slept one wink, Cymbeline . . . you have gotten into a situation where there seemed to be no way out. Brave new world! The Tempest I will wear my heart upon my sleeve, Othello Parting is such sweet sorrow, Romeo and Juliet THEMES: Othello We few, we happy few, we band of brothers, Henry V Double, double, toil and trouble, Macbeth Cross the line if . . . It was Greek to me, Julius Caesar . . . someone you know has been judged based All the world’s a stage, As You Like It on their race or how they looked. My horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse, Richard III . . . you have been judged based on your race or Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Sonnet 18 how you look. There’s a double meaning in that, Much Ado About Nothing . . . someone you trusted lied to you. Off with his head, Richard III . . . if you thought bad things about someone For ever and a day, As You Like It based only on rumors. His beard was white as snow, Hamlet . . . if you have been the victim of people Eaten out of house and home, Henry IV, pt 2 spreading rumors or misunderstandings. Et tu, Brute, Julius Caesar Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore art thou Romeo? Romeo and Juliet Pound of flesh, The Merchant of Venice To thine own self be true, Hamlet In a pickle, The Tempest Neither a borrower or a lender be, Hamlet As good luck would have it, The Merry Wives of Windsor Knock, knock, who’s there?, Macbeth 15 EDUCATION AND YOUTH PROGRAMS Mission Statement: With the plays of William Shakespeare at our core, Seattle Shakespeare Company engages our audiences, our artists and our community in the universal human experience inherent in classic drama through the vitality, immediacy and intimacy of live performance and dynamic outreach programs.
About Us EDUCATION PROGRAMS Seattle Shakespeare Company is the Puget Sound region’s year-round, professional, classical theatre. The company’s In-School Residencies, Matinees, and growing success stems from a deep belief in the power and Workshops: vibrancy of the time-tested words and ideas of Shakespeare and other classical playwrights along with a commitment to • In-School Residencies bring active, customized curriculum artistic excellence on stage. The results have been provocative into schools across Washington State. Professional teaching performances that both challenge and delight audiences while artists plan with teachers to tailor each residency to fit the fostering an appreciation for great stage works. needs and objectives of the classroom. Seattle Shakespeare Company residencies inject vibrant, active exercises into Our combined programs — which include indoor lessons that unlock the text, themes, and actions of a performances, free outdoor productions, regional tours, Shakespeare play. educator and youth programs — reach across barriers of income, geography, and education to bring classical theatre to • Student Matinees bring over 3,000 students annually to our Washington State. mainstage productions in the Seattle Center. Teachers are provided free study guides, and student groups are invited to stay after the show for a free Q&A session with the cast. EDUCATION STAFF CONTACTS • Pre-show and post-show workshops can be booked to accompany mainstage matinees. These workshops include an introduction to the play itself, student activites, and insights In-School Residencies and Camps into direction and design choices of our specific production. Michelle Burce, Education Director 206-733-8228 ext. 251 Touring Productions: [email protected] • Fresh and accessible 90-minute productions tour across Washington State each Spring, reaching more than 14,000 Touring Productions students and adults. These nimble productions perform as Casey Brown, Education Associate easily in school gymnasiums as professional theatre facilities. 206-733-8228 ext. 241 Teachers are provided free study guides and students enjoy free [email protected] post-show Q&A sessions with the cast. • Schools have the opportuniy to book accompanying in-school Student Matinees residencies with touring productions, led by members of the Lorri McGinnis, Box Office Manager touring cast and additional teaching artists. 206-733-8228 ext. 220 [email protected] Camps and Classes: • Our summer “Camp Bill” series in Seattle and Edmonds offers General young actors a variety of camps to choose from or combine. Ticket office:206-733-8222 Camps range from a One-Week Introduction to a Three-Week Administrative offices: 206-733-8228 Production Intensive, with many options in between. Fax: 206-733-8202 • In our Fall and Spring after-school programs, young actors Seattle Shakespeare Company develop their skills and gain hands-on performance and PO Box 19595 production experience. Seattle, WA 98109 • Seattle Shakespeare Company occasionally offers adult classes www.seattleshakespeare.org and workshops to our community featuring guest artists who work on our stage.