Elizabethan Theatre: The Dawn of Modern Drama

• Introduction
• Task
• Process
• Evaluation
• Conclusion
• Credits


• Teacher Page

Process

As you begin this WebQuest, your teacher will divide you into groups of four. You will be working both independently and as a group at different points as you move through the WebQuest and work towards completion of your final group project: a video presentation of an adapted scene from one of Shakespeare's plays or an adaptation of an entire script.

In order to create your own play based on William Shakespeare's works, we must explore the Elizabethan period of history that inspired his work and provided the environment that fostered his genius. Check out these websites that describe life in 16th Century England.

Elizabethan England

http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/elizabethanengland.html

Renaissance, the Elizabethan World

http://www.renaissance.dm.net

Renaissance Image Gallery

http://www.english.upenn.edu/~bushnell/english-101/gallery.html

1. Working independently, examine each Website and make five observations about Elizabethan life. Make sure you include at least one note from each Website.
2. When you have completed your observations, get together with the others in your group and compare your notes. Work together to come up with a common list of the critical elements that distinguish the Elizabethan period. 
3. We'll compare the group lists as a whole class activity. Modify your lists as needed based on class discussion.

The next step along our journey is to learn a bit more about the theatre in Shakespeare's time. Here are some Websites that will give you some idea of what it was like to be an actor as well as what theatres looked like in 16th Century England.

Shakespeare's Globe

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org

Elizabethan Theatre - a short history

http://www.britainexpress.com/History/elizabethan-theatre.htm

1. Once you have explored these Websites, write down three observations about theatre in Shakespeare's day. How was it different from the theatre of today? Also, think about a name for your own theatrical company and write down three possibilities.

2. Then meet with your group and compare observations and ideas for names. Vote to decide on a name for your group.

3. We'll then meet as a class and introduce each of our new theatrical companies!

Now we will study William Shakespeare and his plays and prepare to choose a play or a scene which the group will rewrite. First, lets look at Shakespeare's life by reviewing these sites:

http://www.shakespeare.org.uk

http://daphne.palomar.edu/shakespeare

Did Shakespeare really write his plays? Was there someone else who was the mastermind behind his plays? Check out this site to see the debate over who wrote what:

http://www.shakespeare-oxford.com

1. Individually, write down three things scholars and historians know about Shakespeare's early life.

2. Then write your opinion stating whether or not you believe William Shakespeare is the actual author of the plays attributed to him. Why or why not? If not, who do you think wrote the plays.

3. Now meet with your group and compare notes and opinions. We will also share each group's findings as a class.

Finally, we will research Shakespeare's plays and select a comedy, history, or tragedy to rewrite, translate, and update to today's English usage. Check out these websites:

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

http://www-tech.mit.edu/shakespeare/works.html

Folger Library

http://www.folger.edu

http://www.shakespeare-online.com

For meanings and translation help, check out: