To wrap up the Year 9 EOTC Events, including movie time, art and sports, and a long walk, the Year 9s went to the Pop-Up Globe to see a performance of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.
This was in conjunction with the recent Education Outside the Classroom week, in which they learnt about Shakespeare’s life. Most Year 9s will agree this was amazing to watch; it was just like the movie they watched during the EOTC week, ‘Ten Things I Hate About You’ (a modern version of Taming of the Shrew). Even those who did not take drama, and did not enjoy plays originally, ended up liking it. It was hard not to, with the great acting and jokes intended for people our age. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience, and to go again to another Shakespeare play is either ‘to be, or not to be’.
The main plot depicts the courtship of Petruchio and Katherina, the headstrong, stubborn shrew. Initially, Katherina is an unwilling participant in the relationship; however, Petruchio “tames” her with various psychological torments, such as keeping her from eating and drinking, until she becomes a desirable, compliant, and obedient bride. The subplot features a competition between the suitors of Katherina’s younger sister, Bianca, who is seen as the “ideal” woman.
Overall, the experience is one that the Year 9s will never forget. Although the trip mainly focuses on English, some people who take Year 10 Drama next year will be able to use some of the scenes and actions to enhance their performances and assessments.
Seamus O’Rourke and Ethan Siao
