Macbeth

"The concept is original and the execution brilliant. This is Dr Seuss meets Shakespeare, with all the joy of the former meshed with all the intrigue of the latter." - David Crystal, author of Shakespeare's Words and How Language WorksIn this Silly Shakespeare for Students version of Macbeth for students, author Dr. Paul Leonard Murray, director of the Belgrade English Language Theater, has cut the famous tragedy down to an hour or so and made the language more accessible. But he's kept all the nuances of the plot such as the way Macbeth and Lady Macbeth descend into madness. But this version is more commedia dell'arte than horror! And if you think comedy in a version of Macbeth is weird, the whole thing is also written in rhyming couplets. It's perfect for introducing students to the Bard and helping English Language Learners practice speaking and oracy skills while grappling with the classics. Lovers of the Bard will also appreciate how Dr. Murray has woven the poetry of Shakespeare's words into this version!Macbeth is the tragedy of a Scottish lord who is told he will become king. With his wife's encouragement, he takes fate into his own hands, kills the king, and takes the throne. But the weight of what he's done and how he must cover it up, drive him mad! Is Macbeth invincible? Or does pride come before a fall?Production notes and a summary of the play make putting on Shakespeare easy and fun, even if you've never done drama in class before! Looking for something different for drama club, student theater, or speaking class? Want to spice up your literature or reading class and give students a new appreciation for Shakespeare? This version of Macbeth for Students is for you! Paul Leonard Murray has worked as an actor and educator for over 30 years. He graduated in Theatre, gained an MA in Educational Theatre and a PhD in Applied Theatre. Originally from England but now living and working in Belgrade, Serbia, Paul is a passionate believer in the power of theatre to engage, educate and amuse children of all ages.He is currently the director of Belgrade English Language Theatre which is a youth theatre for young people for whom English is not their native tongue. The plays in the Silly Shakespeare for Students series were developed with the help of his youth theatre members and can be read in class or performed. Inspired by the humour of the Goons, Monty Python and Commedia dell Arte (and of course the Bard himself) Paul hopes that these adaptations can help to inspire further appreciation of theatre, the English language, Shakespeare and silliness.