December
The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 23.0538 Saturday, 29 December 2012
[1] From: Terence Hawkes <
Date: December 29, 2012 7:32:05 AM EST
Subject: Children and Shakespeare
[2] From: Geralyn Horton <
Date: December 29, 2012 12:17:37 AM EST
Subject: Re: SHAKSPER: Children and Shakespeare
[1]-----------------------------------------------------------------
From: Terence Hawkes <
Date: December 29, 2012 7:32:05 AM EST
Subject: Children and Shakespeare
Paul Barry claims ‘Of course. Kids love music, and poetry is music’.
Poetry is NOT music. Of course.
Terence Hawkes
[2]-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geralyn Horton <
Date: December 29, 2012 12:17:37 AM EST
Subject: Re: SHAKSPER: Children and Shakespeare
I was an avid proponent of taking children to performances of Shakespeare in the years-ago discussion, citing my own experience of seeing—and being enthralled by—Othello at age 5. I was distinctly in the minority during within the Conference, but I have not creased to advocate for WS early and often. On the Sunday in 2012 nearest the date celebrated as the Bard’s Birthday the Unitarian church where I sing in the choir invited me to do a lecture/testimonial/performance, including a special invitation to the Sunday school kids to come with me to see our local high school’s production of 12th Night. That went pretty well—and the high school did a fearless, funny, full-hearted show that earned its standing O.
The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 23.0537 Friday, 28 December 2012
From: Paul Barry <
Date: December 27, 2012 3:04:27 PM EST
Subject: Re: SHAKSPER: Children and Shakespeare
Of course. Kids love music, and poetry is music.
PAUL
The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 23.0536 Thursday, 27 December 2012
From: Reg Grouse <
Date: December 27, 2012 2:23:10 AM EST
Subject: Children and Shakespeare
Richard Waugaman’s post of 22/12/12, in referring to a new book ‘Teaching Shakespeare to Children’ by playwright, Ken Ludwig, mentions instances where some young children can be fascinated by Shakespeare’s language without really understanding the words. The suggested reason being that it is the aesthetic quality which attracts their interest. I remember that there was an extended discussion on this subject on this Conference many years ago. I do not have a record of it, nor can I remember the date, but I am sure it would come to light if a search were made of the records.
Cheers,
Reg Grouse
The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 23.0535 Wednesday, 26 December 2012
From: Michael Luskin <
Date: December 24, 2012 10:15:24 PM EST
Subject: Saloonio
I have rad an enjoyed Saloonio three times now, and it suddenly struck me that it is full of good nature. The character of Colonel Hogshead, belly, self-assurance and all, is a perfect target for all sorts of barbs and displays of wit directed against a yahoo, but the author refrains. The point is nevertheless well made, and it would be great if all of us were to look to this example.
Merry Christmas to all.
Michael B. Luskin
The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 23.0533 Monday, 24 December 2012
From: Richard Waugaman <
Date: December 22, 2012 8:14:29 AM EST
Subject: Children and Shakespeare
I recently heard a talk by the distinguished playwright, Ken Ludwig. He was speaking about his forthcoming book, Teaching Shakespeare to Children. Later, I heard that children often react with delight and interest to Shakespeare’s language. Then, yesterday, a friend told a related story about her children. While she was reading Shakespeare to her 10 year old, her 5-year-old child commented on how beautiful the words were.
My wife speculates that young children are always hearing and processing language they don’t fully understand, so Shakespeare is not so different from everything else they hear—only much more “beautiful.” And what precociously profound literary critics they are!
So we clearly need to keep teaching Shakespeare in schools. But maybe we need to begin much earlier.
Best holiday wishes,
Richard Waugaman