About a week ago, a group of fifth graders asked if we could read a Shakespeare play as a reading group. I had copies of an abridged but faithful version of Taming of the Shrew so we sat down to read, each of us playing multiple roles.
By the time we finished yesterday, 12 students were crowding into the meeting area (which is also now the Village store). Each time someone joined us, the students were able to summarize the play's increasing hilarity ("Well, Trainio's a servant who is playing his master, Lucentio who is playing a tutor, Cambio, so he can woo Bianca.") They were also able to tackle some of the large thematic issues of the play — female roles, love, and free will.
Today, when we started Midsummer Night's Dream, 15 students smooshed together to read (we'll find a new venue tomorrow). They love learning about all of the inside jokes and word play. They surprise themselves at how well they can understand what's going on, especially as the initial language shock wears off and they can settle in to the rhythm of the play. Whenever there's an insult, someone will exclaim, "Oh! Snap!"
It's a joy to listen to them read and laugh togehter. The power of these plays always surprises me, although it shouldn't at this point. If you want to capitalize on the momentum, you might consider going as a parent/child pair to NAG's workshop this Saturday: "Shakespeare: Be Not Afraid". It's free and at their theater, 411 3rd St. W, from 10:30-noon. This summer's Shakespeare in the Park production is Measure for Measure — it would make another great outing for your Heron.
The Rookery 
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