SHAKESPEARE WEEK

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The world over, William Shakespeare’s birthday has a special significance. But this year, April 23rd is a little more special because it is a celebration of 450 years of Shakespeare. Globally, English has been established as the language of communication and Shakespeare’s universal themes have taken on a more significant role in the lives of everybody, and the students in particular.

Bhavan’s Gangabux Kanoria Vidyamandir organised a weeklong celebration of Shakespeare, touching upon the plays in a way, so as to introduce the magic of Shakespeare’s stories to the students of the middle school. This is also a part of the International School Awards (ISA) project, under the aegis of British Council.

The week commenced on the 22nd of April with the students putting up a wall display on Shakespeare in the Assembly hall. On 23rd April, the spirit continued with a presentation of the romantic story of ‘As You Like It’ in the morning assembly. It began with a brief history of Shakespeare’s life, works and career. There was also an introduction to the ‘Golden Age’ of Queen Elizabeth; the ruler, to whom; Shakespeare dedicated many of his plays. From ‘As You Like It’, there was a lively recitation of ‘All the world’s a stage – The Seven Ages of Man’.

The next presentation was ‘Macbeth’, on 24th April. The story of the General’s downfall was presented through a soliloquy by the character Macbeth, played by a student of class VIII. A dramatic scene ensued of the 3 witches creating a magic potion in their cauldron. This incantation scene was ‘ghoulishly’ relished by the students of classes VI & VII.

An enactment from ‘The Tempest’ followed on the 25th April in which the children got a brief insight into the story of Prospero and Miranda. The themes of injustice and freedom were discussed through the voices of Ariel (in silver ears and stars) and Caliban (in a fiery mask) – the contrasting inhabitants of the island. The children created masks and special silver accessories like the cauldron and other interesting stage props, to enliven the action.

On the 28th the students put up an enactment from ‘The Merchant of Venice’. Portia’s recital of Shakespeare’s request for ‘mercy’ from Shylock and Shylock’s bitter tirade against Antonio who hated Jews, summed up two of the interesting themes of the play.

On the last day, 29th April, there was / will be an enactment from ‘Julius Caesar’. The students of classes VI – VIII really took the speeches of Brutus and Antony to heart. There was/ will be a brief appearance of Caesar talking about his career and achievements leading students to understand why he had to be assassinated.

The tribute to the Bard of Avon does not end here. As a part of the yearlong celebration, there will be a quiz, a panel discussion and other activities to mark the occasion.