Bardology

I don't consider myself a Bardologist by any means but I do think Shakespeare is an important thing to cram into one's curriculum, if only because stories and quotes from Shakespeare are part of the Great Conversation. To that end we've done a bit of study on the good Bard.

For starters we've read Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb, which is an excellent introduction. The Lamb's distill the essence of each work, maintain important quotes and scenes and yet keep it simple. Perfect for very young children.

We've also used Usborne's Stories from Shakespeare. The illustrations are excellent.

Logos Press has a simple, yet thorough study guide; Tales from Shakespeare, by Matt Whitling. appropriate for elementary aged kids or older who haven't had a lot of exposure.

The Teaching Company has an interesting course: Shakespeare: The Word and the Action by Peter Saccio that Feeche and I are going through this summer. Saccio is a performer and he knows his Shakespearean stuff. We are learning a lot.

For the ultimate field trip, make it to the Globe Theater if you can, like our oldest dd did. If you can't cross the big pond, there are Shakespearean Festivals all over the world. Take a look here to find something near you.

There are a plethora of good movies that have brought the Bard's words to life. Kenneth Bannaugh is probably most famous for his many productions such as Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, and Henry V titles but we still love Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in The Taming of the Shrew, one of KB's all time favorite movies. And there are re-makes galore.

photo courtesy of my friend Ana. Read and see more here: http://anabragahenebrysjournal.blogspot.com/

And of course, to really, truly, get a hold of the depth and meaning of Shakespeare, there is nothing quite like performing in a Shakespearean play. Our brave troupe, under the excellent leadership of  Enak has taken the Dover classic, divided up the parts, sewed costumes (Ana rocks!) and will performing on Saturday. More pictures to come.

Even more resources on the Bard here.

My blogger buddy Moonbeam suggests Shakespeare without the Boring Bits by Humphrey Carpenter which prompted me to remember The Shakespeare Stealer et al by Blackwood.