Our first stop after the Americas for ImprovEd Shakespeare and the Global Hamlet project was Airola, Italy. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months, Global Hamlet finally departed North America and headed overseas. At last, we can confidently say, “We are global!” Sadly, I don’t speak Italian. Thus, a collaboration with Italian students was improbable, although not impossible, during our visit.
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A DOOR TO THE WORLD
Did you know, Shakespeare never traveled? Surprisingly though, his plays are set in locales all over Europe. In fact, some people even think the island in The Tempest came about after the discovery of the Americas. In reality, Shakespeare imagined life in different countries. And here I was, with this chance of a lifetime, to go beyond imaginings. Besides the opportunity to visit different countries, our Global Hamlet plans included meeting diverse people of all ages. Likewise, experiencing new cultures firsthand, as well as enjoying the different landscapes, held untold excitement.
But where does a small youth Shakespeare theatre director from the US fit in? As a matter of fact, I’m not even that big in Austin. Furthermore, I don’t work for a large, established theatre company. By the same token, I have no accolades in the theatre world, nor any peer recognition in the Shakespeare one either.
In truth, I don’t actually consider myself a middle-aged has-been as compounded above. Nevertheless, who am I to approach these different people from around the world? Who was going to take this little idea about joining youth of different cultures in a global Shakespeare production seriously?
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THE MAN FROM STRATFORD
It’s simple. All things considered, I liken myself to the man from Stratford, whose story ideas were nothing new. For example, his equals were more popular during his lifetime, while he was better recognized as a poet than a playwright. In other words, he was just one of many. Similarly, working with Shakespeare and Kids isn’t an original concept either. Unquestionably, I now operate in a world ripe with great teachers, as well as directors who hail from multiple backgrounds. And that diversity brings added dimension to the interpretation of the Bard.
Even though the world now reveres his work, during his time, he was a bit of an oddball. For one thing, Shakespeare’s cohorts surrounded themselves with bound volumes of many varieties. When he died, the author had no books to his name. In the same fashion, he devised powerful women in his plays, yet didn’t bother to educate his daughter and left his wife his “second-best bed.” Frankly, from what we can glean, he was a bit of a contradiction.
Likewise, my lack of credentials, big-name support, brick and mortar institution or numerous employees makes me somewhat of an anomaly to spearhead this project. But then again, ImprovEd Shakespeare – Shakespeare For Kids By Kids is about creatively inspiring young people to explore the Bard of Avon, and at the same time, themselves. So, perhaps I am the perfect person for this grand idea?
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WE ARE SUCH STUFF AS DREAMS ARE MADE ON
Regardless, Shakespeare took the kernels of story ideas, then wove them into beautiful works of art. All in all, these narratives have transcended time as well as cultures. Thereupon, they reached deep into our very essence of humanity. Of course, the Global Hamlet project won’t have this kind of profound effect. But we have to harness our inner Shakespeare. Indeed, first we must take this kernel of an idea. Next, weave it into something beautiful that will rise above our cultural and academic differences. Finally, find common ground that lifts us all to something greater. We are such stuff as dreams are made on!
That said, language is still a barrier. Luckily, a couple of former ImprovEd Shakespeare players relocated to Italy. Desperately wanting to keep Global Hamlet on schedule, and falling back into reality, I coaxed them into participating in Episode 4.
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GLOBAL HAMLET EPISODE 4, PART 1: AIROLA, ITALY WITH IMPROVED SHAKESPEARE
I have spoken a falsehood with the header above. In short, while we were in Airola, we didn’t have enough time to film Part 1 of Episode 4. For this reason, we shot it later. And this episode features Camera Girl and The Boy.
Regardless, we replicated the environment. Identical to the cold temperatures during the filming of Part 2 in Airola, it was quite chilly when we filmed the Narration. Basically, no-budget films can’t afford heated trailers for their performers.
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GLOBAL HAMLET EPISODE 4, PART 2: AIROLA, ITALY WITH IMPROVED SHAKESPEARE
Albeit, Hamlet does not take place in Italy. However, Denmark and Italy both have something in common: castles. When one resides in a city like Austin, where performance space comes at a premium, seeing the European landscape is an exciting adventure. In other words, everywhere you look, is another potential performance spot.
And Airola, although tiny, is blessed with a castle ruin from the Norman era. To put it differently, we’re talking a mere 300 years before the setting of Hamlet! As can be seen, this landmark sits near to the church of San Gabriele, situated on the top of the hill of Monteoliveto.
Also, if you happen to visit this little town outside of Naples, be sure to try the pizza from the small spot on the main street. Undoubtedly, for a mere couple of euros, all thoughts of ‘something rotten’ will fly out of your head.
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GLOBAL HAMLET EPISODE 4, PART 3: AIROLA, ITALY WITH IMPROVED SHAKESPEARE
Inspired by a lesser-known theatre game, Andee Kinzy adapted this drama exercise specifically for the study of Hamlet.
| Type: | Theatre Game |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | To physically demonstrate the wants and desires of Hamlet, King Claudius, and the Ghost of King Hamlet. |
| Preparation: | You will need chairs for half the number of students. Set them up in a circle. |
| Procedure: | Divide your group in half. First, one half will sit in the chairs, leaving one empty. These are the Hamlets. Then, the other half will stand behind the chairs. These are the King Claudiuses. The student behind the empty chair is the Ghost of King Hamlet. |
At the start of the game, all King Claudius players have their hands behind their backs. Their heads bent downward, eyes focused on the back of the Hamlet player in front of them. All Hamlets sit back in their chairs with feet flat on the ground. Now, Hamlets sit and stare at the Ghost of King Hamlet. When the teacher/director signals the start of the activity, the Ghost of King Hamlet tries to get one of the Hamlet players to his empty seat. Using nonverbal motions or gestures, the Ghost of King Hamlet cues one or more Hamlets to attempt to leave their chair. If King Claudius touches her Hamlet, then her Hamlet must remain in his seat and wait for another sign. Once a Hamlet player manages to escape the confines of their King Claudius, the Ghost of King Hamlet assumes the position of King Claudius. Then, King Claudius with the now empty seat, becomes the new Ghost of King Hamlet. Continue for about five minutes. After, switch King Claudius and Hamlet players. | |
| Side Coach: | First, “King Claudius players, keep your heads down and hands behind your back.” Next, “Hamlets, stay seated back in your chair.” Last, “Ghost of King Hamlet, try gesturing to more than one Hamlet at a time.” |
| Notes: | In the story, both the Ghost of King Hamlet as well as King Claudius desire something from Hamlet. In particular, the Ghost of King Hamlet wants Hamlet to avenge his murder. For one thing, in the event he knows about his misdeed, King Claudius intends to keep an eye on Hamlet. This exercise provides an excellent opportunity for discussion. For example, how did you feel as Hamlet tried to get to the Ghost of King Hamlet? Or, how did you feel when the Ghost of King Hamlet needed Hamlet to come to your side? Consider also, what did it feel to be King Claudius, especially when you were desperate to keep the Hamlet in her seat? |
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WHERE TO NEXT?
In this case, a beautiful collaboration with the Shakespeare Kids of Shakespeare Company Berlin is around the corner.
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NOVEMBER 2018 AIROLA, ITALY
Enjoy our gallery of photographs below.
SHAKESPEARE FOR ALL
Working with Shakespeare in education frightens many. Because Shakespeare experts, including professionals, surround us. Escaping them is difficult. This can be intimidating. Thus, feelings of dread usually accompany the act of presenting, but moreover be introduced to, the Bard.
For this reason, ImprovEd Shakespeare is here to help. Founder and Director, Andee Kinzy, offers the layman’s approach to Shakespeare.
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SHAKESPEARE FOR TEACHERS AND DIRECTORS
If you’re an English teacher, a theatre director, or a well-trained Shakespeare advocate, here you will find inspiration, as well as techniques, for making our favorite bard fun for Kids. Accordingly, we present old, new and improved ideas for introducing Shakespeare to youth for the non-Shakespeare-academic. Among them, we include theatre games, improvisation, tips, tricks, plus activities for using Shakespeare in education.
SHAKESPEARE FOR KIDS
Since 2011, ImprovEd Shakespeare has been exploring the Bard with youth through theatrical performance. Our signature scripts are a mix of modern narration plus original Shakespeare verse. With a focus on the story, including an abbreviated script length, our productions entertain all ages. Moreover, our catalog goes beyond the oft-used Midsummer Night’s Dream, or Romeo and Juliet. We’ve discovered that young people find much to their delight among many of Shakespeare’s works. Consider subscribing to our YouTube channel for family-friendly Shakespeare videos.
PERFORMANCES
Each fall and spring, ImprovEd Shakespeare develops a new production for live performance. In honor of the traditional Renaissance traveling troupe, during a period of a few weeks, we present Kid-friendly plays at various venues around town. Our Players, between 3rd-11th grade, gear themselves with playful, as well as engaging interpretations of works by the Bard of Avon. Suitable for all ages, each performance runs for about an hour.
Furthermore, these shows are always FREE. However, we gladly accept Donations! Additionally, visit ImprovEd Shakespeare, Shakespeare for Kids by Kids on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. And don’t forget to click on our BLOG for the stories behind these videos.
