91热爆

Video summary

Michael Boyd and Tom Piper talk about their production and how the set design is informed by the period in which Macbeth was written (the Protestant Reformation and the Gunpowder Plot).

They explore supernatural elements of the play, how the porter is portrayed as Satan and the witches as Macduff's dead children for example.

PLEASE NOTE: This short film contains scenes from Macbeth which some people may find upsetting. Teacher review is recommended prior to use in class.

This short film is from the 91热爆 series, Shakespeare Unlocked.

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Teacher Notes

This short film could be used to help students understand the choices that directors and actors make in putting on a play.

Choose a text the class have studied, and ask them to imagine they have to direct a stage production of it.

  • What characters, ideas or aspects of the story interest them?
  • In which historical period would they set their production?
  • In our own time, or in another period?
  • Where in the world would they choose to set it?

Ask them to explain the thinking behind their choices.

As part of an added value unit, students could direct their own version of a scene in the story, and include a written report on their choices and what they were trying to convey.

This short film is suitable for teaching GCSE English literature and drama in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/ 5 in Scotland.

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Act 1, Scene 7 - Persuading Macbeth (workshop) video

A look at the different ways of performing the scene when Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to kill the king.

Act 1, Scene 7 - Persuading Macbeth (workshop)

Act 1, Scene 7 - To Kill the King. video

Macbeth debates the murder of King Duncan and decides against it. Lady Macbeth uses a battery of strategies to change his mind.

Act 1, Scene 7 - To Kill the King

Act 2, Scene 2 - Bloody Daggers. video

Macbeth has committed the murder and is overcome with guilt and fear.

Act 2, Scene 2 - Bloody Daggers

Act 2, Scene 2 - Hearing noises (workshop) video

The cast explore how Lady Macbeth takes control as Macbeth struggles with his guilty conscience.

Act 2, Scene 2 - Hearing noises (workshop)

Act 2, Scene 2 - Rhythm of the language (workshop) video

The cast discuss iambic pentameter and explore the rhythm of Shakespeare鈥檚 language.

Act 2, Scene 2 - Rhythm of the language (workshop)

Act 2, Scene 2 - The king is dead (workshop) video

The actors and director explore the Macbeths' very different responses to Duncan鈥檚 murder.

Act 2, Scene 2 - The king is dead (workshop)

Act 5, Scene 1 - Candle in the dark (workshop) video

The director and actors experiment with the staging of the sleepwalking scene.

Act 5, Scene 1 - Candle in the dark (workshop)

Act 5, Scene 1 - Sleepwalking. video

The doctor and lady-in-waiting witness Lady Macbeth sleepwalking.

Act 5, Scene 1 - Sleepwalking

Act 5, Scene 1 - Sleepwalking Queen (workshop) video

The director investigates how knowledge of Lady Macbeth鈥檚 secret changes the lives of others.

 Act 5, Scene 1 - Sleepwalking Queen (workshop)

Act 5, Scene 1 - Unlocking the words (workshop) video

RSC Head of Voice, Lyn Darnley, helps Aisl铆n McGuckin through a series of voice exercises.

Act 5, Scene 1 - Unlocking the words (workshop)

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