Introducing Shakespeare
William Shakespeare (baptised 26 April 1564; died 23 April 1616) was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His surviving works consist of 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
The Introducing Shakespeare Unit of Work is designed to broaden your knowledge of some of Shakespeare's most famous works. Using the Animated Tales of Shakespeare we will view a range of plays in animated form to develop an understanding of the general plot, characterisation, Shakespearian language and themes, before moving on to produce creative pieces such as a dramatic presentation of key scenes, a letter to an agony aunt, trip to The Globe diary entry, crime scene investigation report and a synopsis for a new film version of your favourite play.
Exploring the work of arguably the most important writer of all time in a fun and interactive way will help breakdown the language barrier and aid your future studies when analysing Shakespeare in more detail at Senior Level.
Shakespeare Birthplace TrustThe Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is an independent charity which owns and cares for the five Shakespeare Houses, and also Harvard House. Follow the link to find information about William Shakespeare - his work, life and times. |
Shakespeare's GlobeFounded by the pioneering American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, Shakespeare's Globe is a unique international resource dedicated to the exploration of Shakespeare's work and the playhouse for which he wrote, through the connected means of performance and education.
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Virtual Tour of The Globe TheatreFollow the link to access an interactive Virtual Tour of Shakespeare's The Globe Theatre and imagine what it would have been like in Elizabethan Times to watch one of the Bard's most famous works.
This will be helpful when completing your Creative Writing Story "Trip to The Globe". |
The Animated Tales of Shakespeare
Romeo and JulietRomeo and Juliet tells the tragic tale of the 'star-crossed lovers' and their doomed relationship...
Follow the link to watch the BBC Animated Tales of Shakespeare version of the play on YouTube. |
A Midsummer Night's DreamA Midsummer Night's Dream portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors, and their interactions with the fairies who inhabit a moonlit forest.
Follow the link to watch the BBC Animated Tales of Shakespeare version of the play on YouTube. |
MacbethShakespeare's play of a hero's tragic downfall. Supernatural witches, heroic battles, regicide and revenge - this play has it all.
Follow the link to watch the BBC Animated Tales of Shakespeare version of the Scottish play, Macbeth. |
The TempestThe Tempest tells the story of a banished sorcerer Prospero, rightful Duke of Milan, who uses his magical powers to punish his enemies when he raises a tempest that drives them ashore.
Follow the link to watch the BBC Animated Tales of Shakespeare version of The Tempest. |
HamletHamlet is set in Denmark and recounts how Prince Hamlet exacts revenge for the murder of his father. Emotionally charged themes include overwhelming grief, seething rage, treachery, revenge, and corruption.
Follow the link to watch the BBC Animated Tales of Shakespeare version of Hamlet. |
OthelloThe work revolves around four central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army; his wife Desdemona; his lieutenant, Cassio; and his trusted ensign Iago. Because of its varied themes — racism, love, jealousy, and betrayal -- Othello is widely felt to remain relevant to the present day.
Follow the link to watch the BBC Animated Tales of Shakespeare version of Othello. |
Twelfth NightLike many of Shakespeare's comedies, this one centres on mistaken identity. The leading character, Viola, is shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria and loses contact with her twin brother, Sebastian, whom she believes is dead. Masquerading as a young page under the name Cesario, she enters the service of Duke Orsino and this is where the comedy begins...
Follow the link to watch the BBC Animated Tales of Shakespeare version of Twelfth Night. |
As You Like ItAs You Like It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court to find safety and eventually love in the Forest of Arden. The play features one of Shakespeare's most famous and oft-quoted speeches, "All the world's a stage," and is the origin of the phrase "too much of a good thing."
Follow the link to watch the BBC Animated Tales of Shakespeare version of As You Like It. |