Service Description

Phase 3: 1-to-6. Phase 3 The words of Shakespeare were written to be performed. TS Eliot’s verse was written to be spoken. Auden’s poetry was penned to be presented aloud. So much great literature does not come alive until it moves away from the page. In our 3 week course (Phase 1,2,3), ‘Shakespeare and English Poetry,’ we will explore some of the classics of the English canon as spoken word works. Students often complain that the language of Shakespeare is inaccessible, made obscure by the passage of time. Learning to speak verse helps with the understanding and the enjoyment of his great plays. And it’s not as hard as it sounds! Discover how the rhythm of verse expresses mood or echoes the subject matter; find out how rhyme makes Edward Lear’s nonsense verse funnier, and understand why blank verse enhances ideas and emotions at work in Shakespeare’s plays. Lesson 1: Topic: Nonsense poems Text: Various Related concept: Nonsense poetry Lesson 2: Topic: Julius Caesar Text: Julius Caesar Related concept: Shakespearian history Lesson 3: Topic: Tyger and others Text: Songs of Innocence and of Experience Related concept: Romantic poetry Lesson 4: Topic: Simon Armitage Text: Box of Matches Related concept: modern poetry Lesson 5: Topic: The Tempest Text: The Tempest Related concept: Shakespearian Romance