Transforming the Teaching of Shakespeare with the Royal Shakespeare Company

(Paperback)

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Description

This book tells the story of the Royal Shakespeare Companys acclaimed and influential project to transform the teaching of Shakespeare in schools. It examines their approaches to making his plays more accessible, enjoyable and relevant to young people, describing the innovative classroom practices that the Company has pioneered and locating these within a clearly articulated theory of learning. It also provides evidence of their impact on children and young peoples experience of Shakespeare, drawing upon original research as well as research commissioned by the RSC itself. Authoritative but highly readable, the book is relevant to anyone with an interest in the teaching of Shakespeare, and in how a major cultural organisation can have a real impact on the education of young people from a wide range of social backgrounds. It benefits from interviews with key policy makers and practitioners from within the RSC, including their legendary voice coach, Cicely Berry, and with internationally renowned figures such as the writer and academic, Jonathan Bate; the previous artistic director of the RSC, Michael Boyd; and the celebrated playwright, Tim Crouch.

Reviews

Provides detailed, descriptive and analytical insights into the ways rehearsal room strategies may be incorporated into the teaching of Shakespeare. * Cahiers lisabthains *
This slim volume pulls off a considerable feat - capturing the important work of one of the country's key drama institutions in taking Shakespeare out into the community and so ensuring his enduring appeal and relevance to schools and young people ... A valuable publication. -- Jerome Monahan * Around the Globe *

Author Bio

Joe Winston is Professor of Drama and Theatre Education at the University of Warwick, UK.