Reflection: The project we
undertook to understand the great works of William Shakespeare was a shadow
puppet Production of the tragedy Macbeth. For about four weeks my class produced
our own version of Macbeth, using Meta Theater which includes shadow puppets,
live acting, a recorded sound track, and an up close and personal experience
with the audience. My role in this project was that of one of the four
directors. My job was to cut the script, block the puppet scenes, and direct the
sound recording. I also helped with the art team on occasion. However I have to
admit the most enjoyable role I had was that of being one of the three
witches.
I connected to
this project in three significant ways. I have always been drawn to beautiful
language and storytelling that deeply relates to the human experience. I am also
very interested in theater and the fun that you can have with acting and
creating. The third way I was connected to this project was in the collaboration
as hard as it is I love working with a group of people to accomplish one big
beautiful vision. It makes me feel alive and part of a community. It also builds
on my social skills sense I want to work with people when I grow up. The Thing I
honestly liked the most about this project was being a witch. Way The best
moment of this project was the night of production. I was truly astonished and
proud. Everything just flowed together like magic it a beautiful
experience.
The way that this
project was most difficult was when I was trying to work with the art team and
everyone was extremely down and not motivated. The most challenging thing that I
had to deal with was organizing the chaotic mess of the puppets and getting them
to the puppeteers while we were rehearsing. It was stressful and we lost
characters multiple times but we pulled it off in the end. I had to persevere
through this, so I got the help of my friend Elli and I worked on communicating
effectively with everyone else to finish the sets and puppets and I also tried
to let go of control and appreciated everyone behind my back.
Through the process of this play
I learned some very important things about myself. As a collaborator and a
leader I have trouble working with people that had a negative attitude. I either
get bogged down with other People’s emotions or got rude. Witch in both cases I
got nothing done. I am a compassionate person and I think I can use this to
respect others and get others to respect my and my boundaries. I learned that
as a learner this project based learning rocks and fits the bill. I feel
empowered to understand Shakespeare. I feel like I am walking away with a whole
set of life skills and values I will use. I have also learned that I love
acting and that I have a lot of fun doing it. I am good as at being a shape
shifter so to speak. I can pick up on lots of perspectives and energies. I will
be able to use this to help myself and others in this
world.
So the Question that
everyone wants to know is why today, 400 years later we still find Shakespeare’s
work so intriguing. Well I have come up with an answer for myself. I believe
that Shakespeare was very good at touching on the key experiences of humanity.
From the wild feeling of love and the reckless behavior that follows, to the
darkness and insanity of the human mind and soul. Shakespeare writes about what
makes us human what makes our minds think, our blood flow and our soul crave and
shine. Another thing to consider is that Shakespeare has ingrained some
steadfast images in our head that we play on again and again. Take the weird
sisters for example. Shakespeare has defined our image of a witch in western
culture to this day. Doubtless the reason Shakespeare has not faded from our art
but grown and I feel honored to have taken part in it in such an amazing
way.
undertook to understand the great works of William Shakespeare was a shadow
puppet Production of the tragedy Macbeth. For about four weeks my class produced
our own version of Macbeth, using Meta Theater which includes shadow puppets,
live acting, a recorded sound track, and an up close and personal experience
with the audience. My role in this project was that of one of the four
directors. My job was to cut the script, block the puppet scenes, and direct the
sound recording. I also helped with the art team on occasion. However I have to
admit the most enjoyable role I had was that of being one of the three
witches.
I connected to
this project in three significant ways. I have always been drawn to beautiful
language and storytelling that deeply relates to the human experience. I am also
very interested in theater and the fun that you can have with acting and
creating. The third way I was connected to this project was in the collaboration
as hard as it is I love working with a group of people to accomplish one big
beautiful vision. It makes me feel alive and part of a community. It also builds
on my social skills sense I want to work with people when I grow up. The Thing I
honestly liked the most about this project was being a witch. Way The best
moment of this project was the night of production. I was truly astonished and
proud. Everything just flowed together like magic it a beautiful
experience.
The way that this
project was most difficult was when I was trying to work with the art team and
everyone was extremely down and not motivated. The most challenging thing that I
had to deal with was organizing the chaotic mess of the puppets and getting them
to the puppeteers while we were rehearsing. It was stressful and we lost
characters multiple times but we pulled it off in the end. I had to persevere
through this, so I got the help of my friend Elli and I worked on communicating
effectively with everyone else to finish the sets and puppets and I also tried
to let go of control and appreciated everyone behind my back.
Through the process of this play
I learned some very important things about myself. As a collaborator and a
leader I have trouble working with people that had a negative attitude. I either
get bogged down with other People’s emotions or got rude. Witch in both cases I
got nothing done. I am a compassionate person and I think I can use this to
respect others and get others to respect my and my boundaries. I learned that
as a learner this project based learning rocks and fits the bill. I feel
empowered to understand Shakespeare. I feel like I am walking away with a whole
set of life skills and values I will use. I have also learned that I love
acting and that I have a lot of fun doing it. I am good as at being a shape
shifter so to speak. I can pick up on lots of perspectives and energies. I will
be able to use this to help myself and others in this
world.
So the Question that
everyone wants to know is why today, 400 years later we still find Shakespeare’s
work so intriguing. Well I have come up with an answer for myself. I believe
that Shakespeare was very good at touching on the key experiences of humanity.
From the wild feeling of love and the reckless behavior that follows, to the
darkness and insanity of the human mind and soul. Shakespeare writes about what
makes us human what makes our minds think, our blood flow and our soul crave and
shine. Another thing to consider is that Shakespeare has ingrained some
steadfast images in our head that we play on again and again. Take the weird
sisters for example. Shakespeare has defined our image of a witch in western
culture to this day. Doubtless the reason Shakespeare has not faded from our art
but grown and I feel honored to have taken part in it in such an amazing
way.