News Articles - Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek

Shakespeare Willingly To School

21 Mar 2016

The widely held view that William Shakespeare went “unwillingly to school” may have been true in Stratford-Upon-Avon almost 400 years ago.

Year 12 students from Emmaus Catholic College have a different perspective.

A recent visit to the College by a Bell Shakespeare Theatre Company representative was “enlightening and very interesting” said Shania Marzan. “As a senior English student studying The Tempest, it was a fantastic experience to have Kate from Bell Shakespeare come to our school”.

Desiree Pierre, also a Year 12 student at Emmaus, agreed. “Because the Bell Shakespeare Company is so highly regarded for performances, we felt we had an excellent opportunity to hear Kate. The Tempest is an HSC text so we were keen to ask questions about the play”.

Shania added, “the focus was on structure and character interpretation as well as the magical aspects which make The Tempest an intriguing drama”.

John Bell, founder of Bell Shakespeare has now retired, but one of his main projects was instigating visits to schools by Company members. For those unable by distance or time constraints to see productions on stage in major centres, the visits to schools provide the opportunity to speak with actors, view some scenes and participate in question-answer sessions.

“We now have lots to think about in relation to interpreting The Tempest”, said Desiree, “and visits like this to our College are much appreciated”.

Aline Lyons

Written By