The Globe Theatre, a Macbeth workshop, and understanding language in Shakespeare

This week, because I’ve been immersed in two brilliant books, I was going to write about books and reading, which are two of my favourite subjects.  Then I paid a half-term visit to The Globe Theatre and here we are.

If you’ve been lucky enough to visit this stunning theatre in Bankside, you will know how special it is and how much we owe to the man who spent two decades bringing his vision to life, actor and director Sam Wannamaker.

It is the only thatched roof building in London and is a reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original Globe on Bankside.  Special permission had to be granted as there has been a ban on thatched buildings since the Great Fire of London in 1666. 

I visited last week because our daughter was taking part in a Macbeth workshop.  The education department at the theatre do a huge amount to get young people interested in Shakespeare and his work, including workshops, tours and acting courses. 

Macbeth is our daughter’s GCSE Shakespeare text and what better place to immerse yourself in the play.  Plus, the entire workshop takes place on the stage! 

It can be tricky for teachers to get young people interested in Shakespeare.  Love, betrayal, war, loyalty, friendship, murder.  All these things are as relevant today as they were when Shakespeare wrote his plays.  I bought a bag with a quote from The Tempest that expresses how many of us feel about the world today!

We owe many of our most used quotes to Shakespeare.  The world is my oyster.  Vanish into thin air.  Bated breath.  A Sorry Sight. Good riddance.  Love is blind.  Laughing stock.

Understanding the language in Shakespeare is the biggest barrier for many students.  It is tricky to get young people interested in literature that was written many years ago using language they struggle to understand.  However, once this barrier has been broken down, students see the age-old themes.  This is why the plays are still performed to packed theatres to this day.

Mr L is a huge Shakespeare fan and has organised many school trips to The Globe Theatre.  It is this love of teaching Shakespeare, and recognising that students need engaging resources, that led him to writing Understanding Language in Shakespeare.  This pack has helped many students appreciate Shakespeare’s work and in turn to better approach the GCSE Shakespeare question.

I recommend Shakespeare to any teenager. They will find relevance in any of his work, and they should especially visit The Globe Theatre where Shakespeare, the man and work, is explained. There is a youthful vibrant energy coursing through the place, the staff and students, an energy that uplifts the visitor. When you are in the presence of creatives anything is possible, and I saw my daughter feel it when she was in a workshop on the 400 year old stage.

If you want to know more about The Globe Theatre, click here https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/