Some news about upcoming screenings of fantastic stage productions, as well as webcasts and live Shakespeare classes!
It’s a tough time for learners and teachers all over the world. Call it ‘school at home’, call it ‘online learning’, call it ‘emergency remote teaching’ ... call it what you will, it’s just not the same as being in a classroom together. In South Africa, Grade 12 learners are in an especially difficult position as they wait to find out what the rest of this (their FINAL!) school year entails. At Shakespeare ZA, we know that awesome teachers across the country are doing their best - and we hope that some of the resources on this site are proving helpful too.
But Shakespeare’s work belongs on the stage and the screen, and shouldn’t remain in the classroom anyway! So here are some fun things to watch - not just for education but for leisure too:
This year’s Shakespeare set work for Grade 12 learners writing the IEB exams is Antony and Cleopatra. TONIGHT, 7 MAY, and every night over the next week, you can watch this 2018 National Theatre production starring Sophie Okonedo and Ralph Fiennes (8pm SA time).
Then on Saturday 9 May, Marquee TV is premiering the RSC’s 2018 production of Romeo and Juliet (you can sign up to Marquee TV for a free 14-day trial).
Our friends at CN&CO have organised a watchalong party so that viewers can share the experience together! Join them at 8pm on Saturday and post your comments using the hashtag #MarqueeWatchAlong.
Later this month, the English Experience will be hosting a live webcast for IEB students in Grades 11 and 12. This event will take place on Tuesday 26 May, and will include presentations on prescribed works for 2020-21, including Anthony and Cleopatra and The Tempest (as well as Craig Higginson’s novel The Dream House), together with advice on the future of careers and work, and on how to manage stress and anxiety in uncertain times.
Chris Thurman, president of the Shakespeare Society of Southern Africa, will present on Antony and Cleopatra and The Tempest. Each member of the audience will also be sent a complimentary official programme for the event, full of content related to the prescribed works and presentations.
The cost is R100 per student (there is no charge for educators). Email info@englishexperience.co.za to book your tickets.