We do on stage things that are supposed to happen off. Which is a kind of integrity, if you look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.
The Player, the leader of troupe of traveling actors
Fresh from reading Shakespeare’s Hamlet, I had the opportunity to watch Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead in the Little Theatre, in Brighton. It was a clearly a memorable experience, one that changed my thoughts on the original play (Hamlet) and introduced me to existentialism and leaving me pondering the intricacies of the human condition.
For reference Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead shifts the perspective of “Hamlet” onto two, somewhat haphazard, minor characters – Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Two old school friends of Hamlet, they come to visit him after his father’s death, though it turns out that they are also called by King Claudius and Queen Gertrude to spy on unravelling Hamlet. While the young prince grapples with issues of mortality and revenge, Stoppard take us on a existential detour, exploring the nature of free will, and our search for meaning in a series of connected scenes, not presented in the original play. What I have referred to as “off-stage scenes.”
Life in a box is better than no life at all, I expect. You’d have a chance, at least. You could lie there thinking, “Well. At least I’m not dead.”
Rosencrantz
Through their witty dialogues and philosophical musings, I gained valuable insights into their personalities and motivations, largely unexplored in Shakespeare’s play. What is more, I better understood Hamlet.
Thirty-years later I stumbled upon myShakespeare, a wonderful resource supporting six Shakespeare plays, with various resources including a series of “off-stage scenes/interviews” with the major characters. The interview with Lord and Lady Capulet and Juliet brilliantly illuminates the family dysfunction – which sparked an idea.
Synthesising knowledge and understanding – reimagining Shakespeare
This past week my Year 8’s have been writing, directing and acting their own three minute “off-stage scenes” inspired by Stoppard and myShakespeare format.
By reimagining, or re/creating, Shakespeare’s work, our pupils (groups of two or three) had to grasp the themes and empathise with the characters, ensure consistency with established events and to some extent, mimic Shakespeare’s style, selecting appropriate textual references. With hindsight, I would invest a little more time in the directing of the scenes, especially Scene 2 below. For example:
- The entrance and exits of Lord and Lady Capulet
- Seated? Standing? How is the patriarchal roles fulfilled?
- Lady Capulet an apologetic mother? Or equally besmirched, fuelling her husband anger?
It was definitely challenging “hard work” – however it was a task that the pupils tackled with real determination and enthusiasm, both the script writing and the rehearsals. Interestingly, writing for Lord and Lady Capulet also meant we convened cross-gender working groups and that appeared to be positive component of the learning. Now, the quality of the acting, albeit with the script in hand, was fair… if in truth, a little wooden. However, I do think an end product is important, I did have to soften some of the audiences directorial feedback.
Below are two example scripts. I loved the pupil’s Shakespearian conversational tone and actor directions!
Scene 1: A room in the Capulet house. Lord and Lady Capulet are seated, discussing the recent visit of Paris.
Lord Capulet: (thoughtful) My lady, this visit from Paris hath given me much to ponder. He is a noble man, well esteemed in Verona, and he seeks our Juliet’s hand in marriage.
Lady Capulet: (nodding) Indeed, my lord. Paris is a fine match. He is noble, his wealth abundant, and his manners impeccable. He would make a worthy husband for our daughter.
Lord Capulet: (sighs) True. Yet, I am hesitant. Juliet is but thirteen, still young and unseasoned in the ways of the world. I would have her wait two more summers before she is wed.
Lady Capulet: (persuasive) But, my lord, “younger than she are happy mothers made.” Many noble families arrange such unions to secure alliances and ensure the prosperity of their family. Paris’s suit is advantageous. The sooner we secure this match, the better for our house.
Lord Capulet: (considering) You speak wisely, my lady. The Montagues grow ever bolder, and an alliance with Paris could strengthen our position. Still, I wish to see Juliet happy. She is our only child, our jewel.
Lady Capulet: (firmly) And she will be happy, my lord. A marriage to Paris will bring her comfort and security. Love, if it is to come, will follow in time. It is our duty to guide her towards a prosperous future, as our parents did for us.
Lord Capulet: (nodding slowly) You are right, as always. I shall speak with Juliet, gently and with care. She must understand the honour and responsibility that this match entails.
Lady Capulet: (smiling) She is a dutiful daughter. She will heed our counsel and see the wisdom in this union. It is a great honour to be chosen by Paris. She will not refuse.
Lord Capulet: (decisively) Then it is settled. I will arrange a meeting with Paris and formally accept his proposal. Juliet will be wed to him in due course, and our house shall flourish.
Lady Capulet: (pleased) A wise decision, my lord. Our family’s future will be secured, and Juliet will take her place as the wife of a nobleman. We have done well.
Lord Capulet: (smiling) Indeed, my lady. “And too soon marred are those so early made.” Now, let us prepare for the joyous events to come. Our daughter’s future is bright, and our house shall stand strong. After all – I love a good party.
(They rise and exit, hand in hand, with a renewed sense of purpose and unity.)
Scene 2: Lord and Lady Capulet discuss Juliet’s unexpected response to her arranged and accelerated marriage to Paris.
Lord Capulet: (frustrated) What is this? How now, my lady? Juliet’s defiance is a thorn in my side. I thought our news would be met with gratitude, not resistance.
Lady Capulet: (sighs) She is but young, my lord. Perhaps the suddenness of it all hath overwhelmed her. Yet, her refusal does trouble me. She seemed so dutiful until now.
Lord Capulet: (angry) “She’s young baggage! Disobedient wretch!” She has brought shame upon our house with her disobedience. A marriage to Paris is an honour, and she repays it with stubbornness.
Lady Capulet: (calmly) We must remember, my lord, that she is still a child in many ways. Though her years may be few, she has her own thoughts and fears. We must guide her with firmness but also with care.
Lord Capulet: (mockingly) For sure. But did you hear her words? “I’ll not wed, I cannot love, I am too young.” And then, I swear she mocks me, “Ever rul’d” by me! Hmmph! As if our guidance is something to be scorned.
Lady Capulet: (nodding) Yes, my lord. “These are news indeed!” She must understand the gravity of our decision. Paris is a nobleman of great repute. To refuse him would be folly.
Lord Capulet: (firmly) I will not brook any more defiance. She shall be married to Paris on Thursday, come what may. We have given our word, and she must obey.
Lady Capulet: (supportive) Indeed, my lord. We must stand united in this. Juliet will come to see the wisdom in our choice. Love may blossom in time, but duty must come first.
Lord Capulet: (calming slightly) You speak wisely, my lady. Yet, I will not have her defy me. She must know her place and her duty. This marriage will secure our family’s future and strengthen our standing in Verona.
Lady Capulet: (softly) “What say you? Can you love the gentleman?” She must be made to see the sense in our decision. We have only her best interests at heart.
Lord Capulet: (resolved) Aye, my lady. We shall ensure she understands. This marriage to Paris will proceed as planned. Our house shall be secure, and Juliet will fulfill her duty.
(They rise and exit, resolute in their decision, determined to uphold their family’s honour and secure Juliet’s future.)