Change the Set
Julius Caesar – Shakespeare
10 English- Levine
Essential Questions: How would the language of the play JULIUS CAESAR still be appropriate if the characters were 80’s punk rockers? Medieval Monks? Cavemen? Modern day novella stars? Would the language still fit the time period? Would you still be able to communicate the meaning behind the words of Shakespeare or would the meaning change based on the change of the time period or setting? What adjustments would you have to make to make to make the language of Shakespeare fit the new time period or setting? Costumes, sets, lighting, weapons, hairstyles, shoes, etc. – it all would change. How would you change those things in order to JUSTIFY the play in the new setting?
Objective: Change the set without changing the language. Justify it and make it work. Create scenes using the words of Shakespeare and justify the words with the setting, the blocking, the costumes, the lighting, anything you need, to justify it.
Group Paper: (handed in at time of presentation)
1. List of “players” (actors and their roles)
2. Where is the new setting? 1-3 paragraph description and information – be specific and detailed with your 5 W’s.
3. What have you added in or changed from the original Ancient Roman setting? Make a list and explain why you changed the
4. Why does the scene still work? Or more specifically, what makes the scene still work? (1-3 paragraphs)
5. Do the characters change because you have changed the set? (emotionally, physically, intellectually, spiritually) why or why not? (1-3 paragraphs)
Oral Presentation must include:
1. Tell us where you are and why you have chosen that specific location
2. Tell us how the change of setting makes a difference or doesn’t make a difference and why
3. Tell us what you have changed about the Costumes, sets, lighting, weapons, hairstyles, shoes, etc. and why
4. Act out 5-10 minutes of your scene.
5. All scenes must be completely memorized (Yes, this will be part of your grade. Yes, you really have to memorize all of it. No, really. To answer your annoying “what if we don’t memorize all of it?” question, your grade will reflect on how much you have memorized.)
Rubric:
1-10 points for costumes and set
1-25 points for memorization of lines
1-30 points for written group paper
1-20 points for creativity, style, enthusiasm, commitment to the performance
1-15 points for rehearsal and use of class time
Total: 100 points: A (4)=90-100 B(3)= 80-89 C(2)=70-79 NP(1) any score under 70