Modern Macbeth Project
Many students question why they are required to read Macbeth—after all, it was written hundreds of years ago and is set in medieval Scotland, so how is it relevant today? Actually, the plot and themes of Macbeth are very applicable today. Politicians still “murder” each other to come out on top. How many times have we seen a country overthrown by a military coup? How many people are corrupted by power? When does a corporate mogul’s ambition lead to his or her downfall? When are people not how they seem to be?
The people Shakespeare writes about—their conflicts, issues, obstacles, and personalities—are as true today as they were in the past; human nature does not change. And yet, as timeless as these basic situations and themes are, someone has yet to make a good modern remake of Macbeth! Therefore, the question posed to you is, what if the play were set in modern times? Where would it take place? Would the action stay on the battlefield, or would the battle be in a boardroom? How would the specific events change? Would Banquo and Fleance ride horses, or dirt bikes? Also consider who would play the roles of the main characters…would General Macduff be played by the rebellious Republican John McCain (whose wife and family were also “assassinated” by the press)? Would OJ Simpson, with all of his ambition, bloodlust, and betrayal, play Macbeth?
Now prove it. You will complete a project of your choice that in some way develops a modern interpretation of Macbeth. While the setting, characters, and events will be from the modern day, the general plot, motivations, and themes will remain the same (thus demonstrating that you understand the play and can apply its lessons to life today.) The superlative project will thoroughly show how it appropriately modernizes Macbeth by incorporating specific details from the play.
The final project is due ______. Please see me if you have any questions.
Your projects will be graded primarily on how well you represent the most important characters and events of the play in a modern setting/situation and how these reveal one or more of the universal themes that are still so relevant today. However, to do this effectively, the quality of your project (thoroughness, quality of writing, neatness, effort) will play a large role. Just doing the minimum will guarantee a lower grade. While some projects can (and perhaps should) be done collaboratively, remember that with each partner, the expectation of quality and quantity of the product is thereby increased—so choose all partners wisely! Furthermore, if you choose to work collaboratively, you will complete a reflection rating each other’s contribution to the project (in addition to your own self-evaluation).
Modern Macbeth Project Ideas
Playbill
You will create a playbill for a modern remake of the play (this could be a regular drama or a musical) that provides the important details about this modern-day tragedy. As with any playbill, yours should include an illustrative cover, brief (but comprehensive) plot summary, list of scenes OR a list of the musical numbers (each with a brief explanation of the related setting and actions performed by characters), a cast list (along with cast photos), and a “note” from the director explaining why they are so eager and proud to be presenting this important play with themes for all the ages.
Film/Youtube
You (and partners) will create an original script and enact a modern version of an important scene (or scenes—depending on the number of people involved) from Macbeth; this could be in the form of a clip from a movie, a soap opera/mini series, or even a reality TV series. Rewrite a scene from the text as it would have been in your chosen format. Film your scene using a video camera, write a transcript of the scene, or create story boards (including details on background sounds, setting, and props). Your film should be at least 5-10 minutes in length (depending on the size of your ensemble) and represent important characters, themes, etc.
Broadcast/Podcast
Create a TV or radio news/talk show in which the modern day characters reunite and discuss one or more of the recent events, relationships, and lessons learned from their experiences (and yes, people can come back from the dead!). While there is a lot of room for interpretation, this original show should address the modern world. This project can be recorded ahead of time or performed live, and also should be at least 5-10 minutes in length (depending on the size of your ensemble) and represent important characters, themes, etc.
Newspaper
Create (at least) a front page of a newspaper in which you relate the important events and messages of the play…as they would occur in the modern day. Include at minimum two news articles, a feature, an editorial or letter to the editor (this is a great place to promote the themes), and images (pictures, illustrations, etc.) with captions.
Instant Messages/Text Messages
Rewrite an important scene in which the characters dialogue in modern-day format as if it took place online through instant messages or on cell phones or another tool using text messages. (BTW, please include a key so your “ancient” teacher will know what codes mean!) Remember that the writers should be in character and that the exchange should reveal the importance of events/issues as they transpire in the modern day (i.e. the messages or realizations). Be sure the scene and the characters dialoguing are clearly indicated.
Blogging
Rewrite several important monologues (e.g., the speech of one person) from the text as a series of blog entries that show the character wrestling with the play’s important events and issues in the modern day. Include appropriate links to other Web pages and/or comments that other characters from the text might leave on the blog entries to illustrate the scope and importance of what this character says and does. Be sure the character and monologues modernized are clearly indicated.
Comic Strip/Graphic Novel
You will compose a modern, illustrated version of Macbeth—this need not represent the play in its entirety, but it should reflect essential elements of the story (i.e. important event(s), characters, theme(s), etc.)—in at least 10 panels. Be sure to include a detailed, modern setting, well-composed characters, well-chosen dialogue/thought bubbles, and illustrative captions.
Headline News Story
Choose a modern-day event that mirrors a major event/situation that occurred in the text. Cut out or print a detailed article about the event and attach a thorough written explanation of 2+ pages that illustrates the connection between this modern artifact and the play. You will demonstrate how this would be the modern Macbeth by making many detailed connections between the characters, events, and themes of the play and the modern situation.
YOUR IDEA
This is an option for those very creative students who have an even better idea for a project than one listed on this assignment. You may complete another project of your choice, provided you write a brief proposal outlining the project and how it will meet the objectives of the assignment (see the rubric). If this is approved, you can complete your choice project.
Modern Macbeth Final Project RubricStudent Name(s): / Mrs. Gillespie
Project Type/Title: / Grade:
Scoring Criteria
0-69 / 70-79 / 80-89 / 90-100Plot
20 / Plot events may not be addressed or may be minor. Important details are missing and/or inaccuracies abound. / Major plot event(s) addressed, but minor one(s) may be emphasized or essential details may be missing / Important plot event(s) accurately addressed in some detail. / Important plot event(s) clearly and thoroughly addressed in detail.
Characters
20 / Characters may be missing or relationships/motives are extremely unclear. Important details are missing or inaccurate. / Character(s) and relationships/motives are included, though minor elements may be emphasized or details may be missing. / Important character(s) accurately characterized and relationships/motives addressed in some detail. / Essential characters and relationships/motives are insightfully characterized and presented in ample detail.
Themes
20 / Student fails to address a theme (message, truth, or realization) revealed by the play. / At least one theme is alluded to, but theme may be simplistic (not applicable to life outside the play) or underdeveloped. / At least one of the play’s themes is presented or discussed in context, demonstrating a plausible interpretation of its role in the play. / One or more of the themes is thoroughly illustrated and/or examined in context, demonstrating insightful understanding of its role in the play.
Evidence Supporting Applications
20 / Student makes creative leaps with little or no evidence to support such interpretations OR the application demonstrates serious misunderstandings. / Interpretive elements seem somewhat irrelevant given a vague, unclear, or lack of explanation as to their application to the themes and events of the play. / The application of the events and messages of the play in the modern day is supported by the explanation or evidence of interpretation in the project itself. / Application of the events and messages of the play to the modern day is insightful and fully supported by connections to the play in the explanation or by evidence in project itself.
Professionalism Requirements
10 / Project is late. Work is illegible, incomprehensible, or is not close to the requirements. Work has many spelling errors and/or grammatical errors. Project was apparently done at the last minute. / Project is on time, neat, and meets requirements. Some errors in grammar or presentation are present, but not enough to interfere with understanding. Project appears to have been done over time. / Project is on time, neat, and meets requirements. Few if any errors in grammar/presentation are present. Project appears to have been carefully done over time and demonstrates preparation before the project commenced. / Project is on time, neat, and goes beyond the requirements. No errors in grammar/presentation are present. Project appears to have been carefully done over time and demonstrates thorough preparation before the project commenced.
Effort and Creativity
10 / Student did not put in much effort on the project. Project reflects little to no effort or creative touches. Project was thrown together. / Student put in the minimum amount of effort. Project reflects some effort and creative touches. Project was organized. / Student put in more than the minimum amount of effort. Project reflects effort and attention to detail. Aspects of the project are creative. Project was well organized. / Student put in an excess of effort. Project reflects hard work and careful attention to detail. The project is very creative. Project was very well organized.
Teacher Comments: Your project should demonstrate understanding on the following levels:
r Level One: LITERAL – understanding what is actually stated.
r Level Two: INTERPRETIVE – understanding what is implied or meant by what is actually stated.
r Level Three: APPLIED - taking what was said (literal) and then what was meant by what was said (interpretive) and then extend (apply) the concepts or ideas beyond the situation to show comprehensive understanding (analysis, synthesis, and evaluation) of the text.