Reviving Romeo and Juliet

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Shakespeare! Imagine you’ve been transported back to Verona, where love and conflict swirl in the streets. Your mission is to dive deep into the lives of Romeo and Juliet, exploring their choices and the world they live in. Together with your team, you’ll bring Shakespeare’s classic to life and analyze how his words still echo in our modern times.

Task

Create a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Your goal is to rewrite a key scene, setting it in today’s world while staying true to the essence of the characters. You’ll perform the scene as a short video, incorporating modern language, themes, and settings. Your final product will be a group video presentation, accompanied by a reflective essay discussing how the themes of the original play are still relevant today.

Process

Process:

Step 1: Watch selected clips of Romeo and Juliet adaptations from different eras. Compare how each director approaches the setting, language, and characters.

Step 2: Select a key scene (e.g., the balcony scene, the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio). Discuss with your group how this scene might unfold in modern times—think about setting, tone, and dialogue.

Step 3: Write a script for your modern adaptation, focusing on updating the language but keeping the core themes (love, conflict, loyalty). Each group member will take on a role (acting, directing, editing).

Step 4: Film your scene using your smartphones or other devices. Be creative! You can use props or shoot at different locations to bring your scene to life.

Step 5: Write a short reflective essay on how the themes in Romeo and Juliet still apply to today’s world. Each group member should contribute their thoughts.

Step 6: Present your video and reflection in class. After each presentation, there will be a short discussion on the choices made in the adaptation.

Resources:

Evaluation

 Your work will be graded based on the following criteria:

  • Creativity and Relevance of Adaptation (30%)
  • Quality of Script and Performance (25%)
  • Team Collaboration and Effort (20%)
  • Reflection Essay (15%)
  • Presentation and Audience Engagement (10%)
Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just taken Shakespeare’s words and made them your own. This WebQuest has helped you see how timeless themes like love and conflict transcend centuries. Reflect on what you’ve learned about the power of language and storytelling, and how these skills will help you understand not only literature but the world around you.

Credits

Credits:

  • Shakespeare, W. (1597). Romeo and Juliet.
  • SparkNotes: No Fear Shakespeare
  • YouTube Playlist on modern Shakespeare adaptations
  • BBC Bitesize: Romeo and Juliet resources