Berkley Students Get Special Shakespeare Performance
(Berkley Schools Press Release, June 4, 2014)
On Friday, May 30, The Michigan Shakespeare Festival visited Berkley High School to perform Romeo & Juliet for 9th grade students in the BHS Auditorium. The 90 minute performance held true to Shakespearean times with minimal props, set and costumes.
Students, who are finishing their reading of Romeo & Juliet as part of the 9th Grade English curriculum, had an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the actors following the performance. While answering questions, the actors explained how fight scenes are choreographed, why they chose to become actors, and why there is no scenery (“Because it allows the audience’s imagination to roam free.”)
English classes will now discuss how experiencing Romeo & Juliet performed on stage adds to or changes the students interpretation of reading the text.
BHS English Teacher Stacey Walters said, “Ultimately, Shakespeare’s work was meant to be seen and heard, not read, so I think this will be a very valuable experience for students.”
Students gave the actors a rousing round of applause after the performance and were very engaged in the Q&A session.
More about the Michigan Shakespeare Festival can be found online here: http://www.michiganshakespearefestival.com/