Essay

Romeo and Juliet Essay

            Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, written in 1594 or 1595 has captured the interest and imagination of generations. This play was not only read, but performed on stage to enthusiastic audiences.  Although a parent in the school system feels that reading and discussing Shakespeare is the best way to understand his work, it is important for students to experience other forms of expression.  High schools students examine literature to a fuller extent and a project that encourages students to interact, and specifically to produce a film version of the play, has numerous advantages.

Since the project requires work over many weeks, friendships can be fostered and memories created. Projects like this allow students to work together and collaborate, not only with students from other schools, but from different states.  This opportunity exposes the students to other points of view.  It also allows them to see their peer’s mistakes and help correct them. Students learn to give and accept constructive criticism from each other. This is a life lesson in appreciating the opinions and creative talents of others.

Creativity is encouraged by the use of technology in making a film. It gives students hands on experience with valuable tools such as blogs, Wikis, Skype, and other internet applications. Students are able to research the project, communicate with each other, create print ads, and learn to shoot and edit films.  Without the technology, the film would have been very challenging to make. This experience is helpful not only in school, but can be used later in life in a career.  

Another advantage of this project is that students learn to take responsibility for their actions.  If the students chose to not to participate, the job they had was not completed. This left uncompleted work for others to fulfill.  Most of the decision-making was left up to the students. The decisions were made by the writers, directors, actors, and a few by Mr. Provenzano in times of need.  A majority of the work was done outside the classroom, therefore, students had to organize their schedule so that they could participate in the production of the film.

           

Film making gives those who work on the production a chance to interpret the play for themselves.  The students read the play, discuss themes, and then write a script which has been adapted for modern audiences. Writing the script for a modern audience helps students put the old English text into their own words. This improves their understanding of plot and themes.  There are different ways to learn. Some students learn better by hearing the material, some by seeing the information, and others through hands on experience. A project that incorporates all three provides the variety needed to reach all students and give them the best learning experience possible.

The value of high school students producing a film to better understand literature is sometimes overlooked. Mr. Provenzano's project with his freshman English class has shown that a subject such as Shakespeare can be more appealing to adolescents when they have the opportunity to approach it from different angles. Some of the advantages include the collaboration with other students, the use of technology, the responsibility of individual students, and the recognition that everyone learns in a different way. Hopefully, the school board recognizes the importance of supporting this type of project, knowing that there are diverse learning styles. This project has given students a deeper appreciation and more enthusiasm for Shakespeare.