Activity Plan

Activity #3:  Title:  Modernize the Script

Time Estimation:   Three days

Objective(s):        

1.        To be able to rewrite modern dialogue in Shakespeare based on an analysis of original plot and archaic dialogue

2.        To be able to rewrite modern setting in Shakespeare based on an analysis of the original setting

3.        To be able to rewrite modern characters in Shakespeare based on an analysis of the original characters

4.        To perform revised scene as a group to peers

      Description:    After reading and watching segments of Romeo & Juliet, students will be asked to select one scene in the play and modernize all aspects of the script: including dialogue, setting, and characters.  Students will be grouped together by random teacher selection in groups of 3-5.  The teacher will provide a list of scenes to students containing a number of in-play characters equivalent to the number of members of the group plus one narrator.  Students may select one scene from their corresponding list.  After working to rewrite the script, the groups will perform their new versions of the play to one another, with each member of the group having an active speaking role.

      Resources:

      Background Information:

 http://www.clicknotes.com/romeo/Char.html

     Teaching & Learning Materials:

·         Copies of the play, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

·         Several film versions of Romeo and Juliet (Bas Luhrmann’s 1996 version essential to help with demonstrating modernizing of setting & characters but not dialogue)

·         Computers with internet access (helpful but not required)

·         Dictionaries and thesauri in lieu of computer access