Spring: 1/19/12 - 5/18/12

OTHELLO IN A BREATH
Adapted from William Shakespeare’s Othello by Elizabeth Berkinmeier

Shakespeare’s thrilling classic about an outsider who misplaces his trust with cataclysmic results.  This elegant 50 minute telling provides the action and emotion that has made Othello one of the most popular tragedies for any age. You’ll meet the hateful and jealous Iago, one of Shakespeare’s greatest villains; the powerful and mislead Othello; the truthful, innocent Desdemona; All are woven together in a plot of lies and treachery that show us how appearances can deceive.  Shakespeare tangles with racism, love and betrayal, showing us that what we think we know about ourselves and believe about others doesn’t always hold true.  Most appreciated by grades 4 - 12.

Workshop:  Breaking the Shakespeare Code

By “Breaking the Shakespeare Code” students learn to unlock and comprehend the wealth of information about characters and story which Shakespeare packs into his words.  Shakespeare wrote plays to be performed, and this inspiring workshop offers a process for students to gather the many ways Shakespeare uses poetry, prose, rhythm and sound as a foundation for character analysis and dramatic interpretation.  When revealed in this fun way, Shakespeare becomes a poetic playground for exploration and discovery!

Photo: Khnemu Menu-Ra. Photo © J. David Levy
 

CRUEL TO BE KIND?
A new play about Shakespeare by Christopher Limber

"Cruel to be Kind? is a wonderful excursion into Shakespeare's life and times through an imaginary depiction of the composition of his play, As You Like It.  The play also highlights one of the most important school social problems, bullying and its consequences.  Young people and families will find much to contemplate and discuss from seeing this Shakespeare Festival St. Louis production."
~ Eric J. Nuetzel M.D., St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute

In 1599, William Shakespeare is frantically finishing As You Like It for his company at the New Globe Theatre.  While writing, he realizes that his character’s cruel behavior mirrors the bullying his apprentice Ozwaldo exhibits toward the younger apprentices — and that behavior in his London boarding house is as brutish as in his new play!  Bringing art and life together, the Bard asks his apprentices to rehearse new scenes from his play.  Moved by the story and characters, his young actors are stirred by surprising discoveries about themselves and each other. Deeply affected by Shakespeare’s process, a newfound kindness is set in motion as the production heads for the stage at the New Globe! Most appreciated by grades 3 - 12.

Accompanying Workshop:  Bullies and Boundaries

This companion workshop to Cruel to be Kind? offers a natural springboard for activities, referencing the characters and situations within the play.  Guided by our trained Actor/Teaching Artists, students will discuss and role-play in a safe workshop environment, exploring the definition of a bully and methods for diffusing cruel behavior.  This follow-up workshop helps create a new awareness and a shared understanding of bullying while offering the participants some new ways to act more thoughtfully in their relationships.

Photo: Jessica Shoemaker and Antonio Rodriguez
Photo © J. David Levy
Education Tour Details

UPDATE: Study Guides for Othello in a Breath, Cruel to be Kind? and "Bullies and Boundaries" are now available - click here!

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis’ Education Tour, honored with two consecutive Kevin Kline Awards for Outstanding Production for Young Audiences, hits the road with two sparkling productions to delight and enlighten schools and communities all over the bi-state region.  Over 1100 Touring performances have played regionally, sharing the “Shakespearience” by bringing the Bard to life for audiences of all ages!  Our Education Tour sells out so reserve your shows today and we’ll bring Shakespeare into your schools and community!

EDUCATION TOUR PERFORMANCES INCLUDE:

  • Q&A with the actors immediately following the show
  • Performance Guides with Show-Me Standard Tie-ins:
  • On Othello and Othello in a Breath: synopsis, character list, background information, resources about the adaptations, activities, lesson plans and more
  • On Cruel to be Kind?: Resources for grades K - 12 about the play with activities, lesson plans and more
  • All About Shakespeare:
    • Shakespeare’s Biography
    • Performances in Shakespeare’s Time at the Globe Theatre
    • Shakespeare’s World/On Elizabethan Times
    • Shakespeare the Businessman
    • Language in Shakespeare
  • Resources (Books, Films, Internet)
  • Activities/Discussion Questions
  • Show-Me Standards for each grade level grouping

PRICING:

  • One Tour performance: $475
  • Two same-day performances: $900 - save $50!
  • One workshop: $425
  • Two same-day workshops: $800 - save $50!
  • Limited financial assistance is available

PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Minimum 20' x 20' performance area
  • Two private dressing areas
  • Access to performance and dressing areas one hour prior to and after the performance
  • Maximum student audience 250 for elementary schools; 300 for middle and high schools (maximum does not apply to performances in theatre or auditorium spaces)

For more information or to schedule, please contact Patti Walley via email to pwalley@sfstl.com or call 314.531.9800 x108.  Click here for our 2012 Tour brochure.