WOS:

Today we looked at parody. Specifically, we watched part of the relatively new film She's the Man. Monday we will have an in class debate on whether parody of a classic is good or bad. Please be thinking about the obvious similarities. Does the story work better in a modern translation? What does it say about the play that it can still work as a timely story?

Brit Lit:

A Block: We watched the Polanski version of Macbeth covering Act 2, and I made the entire 3rd floor smell like a movie theater. I assigned your Macbeth video project and showed you 3 examples from previous years. I will post a rubric online Monday after I give the assignment to my other class.

Reminder: Your Tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow speeches are due Monday- so make sure that you are ready to go first thing Monday morning. Have a wonderful weekend.

B Block: Those of you not attending the performance of Animal Farm, recited your Macbeth lines. Video to follow....stay tuned!
If you were not ready, you lose 10 points for each day, so make sure that you look over and learn the lines for this Monday. I will also explain your next project Monday...

Don't look now, but I see many of you laughing and getting perfect grades on Shakespeare. It is a difficult play, and I am very proud of how well you are ALL doing. Keep it up!

Quiz on the Stage

WOS:

Today we moved class to the auditorium. I gave a brief quiz on Act 2, and we rehearsed our scenes that we blocked. We performed them on stage and had a chance to give feedback on the comedy in the blocking. We discussed physical humor, and how the play probably had lots of this to help the funny.

HW: Please read act 3.

Brit Lit:

Today in class we examined blocking: notes to the actor of movement on stage. We talked about using abbreviations for movement, and I gave you a cheat sheet of often used shortcuts.

I broke you into small groups and had you block a scene of Macbeth. I asked you to include movement every 3-5 seconds to avoid the "cement shoe syndrome."

HW: 10 Macbeth lines this Friday. Please continue to learn the lines and be ready to recite. For anyone looking for a bit of extra credit- ask me about the Shakespeare challenge in class...

Late Night

Please be reminded that my late night is Wed., or any other day with appointment. If you need to make up assignments, or a bit of extra help, please drop in.

WOS:

Today we had a discussion on Act 1; specifically, we examined the comic elements of the play.

Part 2 of class, we talked about stage movement, otherwise known as blocking. I broke you into small groups and assigned you a part to block in a comedic way. Videos to follow....

HW: Please read act 2 and per usual, come in prepared with at least 5 discussion questions. Please once again focus on the comedy. Please continue to think: Is this play still funny? How would you make it funny if you were going to direct.

Part 3 we made believe that we were casting the play with modern celebrities. Specifically, I asked you to find characters that would add to the level of comedy.

Brit Lit:

Today in class...
We talked about a Shakespearean Tragedy and looked for the exciting force the propels act 2. I asked you to do a one pg "free write" speculating on what is in store in Act 2. If the death/murder of the king is the explosive force at the start of act 2, and the action continues to rise towards act 3, what else could happen. Macbeth is a blood bath, so be ready for a good ol' Scottish bash.

HW- Please continue to work on your Macbeth lines. I posted them last night for your convenience on the blog, but it is also obviously in your books.