a workshop approach to:
Shakespeare's Histories
Richard II
Henry IV Part 1
Henry V
Richard III
edited by Ken Watson
This volume offers workshop approaches for studying some of the more popular of Shakespeare’s histories.
The approaches offered will help students gain critical insights into:
Ø Shakespeare’s language
Ø theatrical forms and devices
Ø themes
Ø staging
Ø character
The student-centred interactive strategies presented will also encourage students to bring a play alive by exploring form and content which takes the play off the page and, in the imagination of the students, onto the stage.
This approach not only gives students a greater understanding and appreciation of the plays as theatre but also helps them approach more traditional literary criticism with greater confidence.
See also:
A Workshop Approach to Shakespeare's Comedies
A Workshop Approach to Introducing Shakespeare
A Workshop Approach to Shakespeare’s Tragedies
individual Shakespeare Workshop titles
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Shakespeare's Histories Contents
Dramatic techniques in Shakespeare’s plays
The historical context
Richard II
1 Parallels Improvisation
2 Background to the play Writing; staging a scene
3 The opening scenes Blocking plans; improvisation; set design
4 Structure of the play Diagrammatic 4 movements representation
5 Richard and Bolingbroke Dramatic interpretation of character
6 The idea of kingship Writing; television interview
7 The garden scene Exploring imagery
8 The language of the play Oral presentation
9 Patterns of Imagery Thematic exploration
10 Shakespeare and his sources Dramatic purposes
11 Problems for the director Student as director
Henry IV Part 1
1 Filling in the background Historical background
2 Blank verse Introduction to the language
3 Three worlds and beyond Introduction to the play
4 Shakespeare’s characters Introduction to the play
5 Images of a king A major theme
6 Parallels Finding connections
7 Soliloquies Dramatic technique
8 Fathers and sons Thematic exploration
9 Power and decision-making Political nature of the play
10 Three worlds – a second look Dramatic structure
11 Abbreviated versions Language and meaning
12 Falstaff – this is your life Understanding character
13 The women Treatment of women in the play
14 Father and daughter Relationships
15 Duologues Dramatic technique
16 The play within-a-play Dramatic technique
17 The robbery and the battles Thematic development
18 Three worlds A final look at dramatic structure
19 Program notes Thematic conceptions
20 Design Production
21 Just a minute Role playing
22 In the style of ... Imaginative recreation
23 Hot seat Role playing
Henry V
1 Parallel role plays Ethics and attitudes
2 Response journal Personal reflections
3 Getting used to the language Blank verse
4 War Exploration of themes
5 Comic scenes Dramatic texture
6 Leadership Exploration of themes
7 Henry: good king or bad king? Exploration of character
8 Henry: a killer king? Exploration of character
9 “Upon the King” Henry’s one soliloquy
10 Two camps Dramatic interpretation
11 Once more unto the breach Exploration of themes
12 Themes and issues in the play Exploration of themes
13 The Battle of Agincourt Imaginative recreation
14 Shall Kate be my wife? Exploration of character
15 Freeze frames Dramatic interpretation
16 Blocking Staging a scene
17 Film version storyboards Visualising action
18 Design a production Theatrical presentation
19 Writing a film review Critical interpretation
20 Two filmed versions Critical interpretation
Richard III
1 Parallel role plays Role play/interconnections
2 Historical background Context of the play
3 Journal Personal response
4 Blank verse Language
5 Charting relationships Rivalries and alliances
6 Group soliloquy Richard’s character
7 Bystanders Imaginative recreation
8 Problem cards Relationships
9 Alter ego Looking behind the text
10 Pastiche poem Thematic patterns
11 Freeze frames Dramatic interpretation
12 Action and reported action Critical narrative choices
13 Pairs of characters Changes in relationships
14 Intercutting Dramatic contradictions
15 Missing scenes Dramatic intentions
16 Character profiles Character analysis
17 Seven deadly sins Religious beliefs
18 Hot seat / mock trial Character interpretation
19 Reconstruction Language
20 Casting interviews Dramatic analysis
21 Posters Personal response
22 Blocking Staging