ERIC Number: EJ1051303
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0155-2147
EISSN: N/A
"Come You Spirits": Shakespeare, Mythology and Process Drama
Kelman, Dave; Rafe, Jane
English in Australia, v49 n3 p57-65 2014
Many of Shakespeare's plays involve mythological symbolism that is fundamental to the complex web of meanings inherent in the work. Mythology is a complex symbolic metalanguage, the meaning of which has evolved over time, adapting to its socio-cultural context. In Shakespeare's "Macbeth" the witches are strongly associated with Lady Macbeth and both are ambiguous mythological figures. Research into a Grade 5/6 classroom "Macbeth" performance project reveals powerful responses to the gendered politics of the play. This article contends that a process drama workshop undertaken post-production enabled the students to engage with the mythological symbolism underlying the play and its socio-cultural resonance and to make their own complex artistic statement in response.
Descriptors: Drama, Mythology, Sociocultural Patterns, Literature, Workshops, Gender Differences, Politics, Teaching Methods, English Instruction, Creative Writing, Elementary School Students, Foreign Countries, Low Achievement, College School Cooperation, Qualitative Research
Australian Association for the Teaching of English. English House, 416 Magill Road, Kensington Gardens, SA 5068 Australia. Tel: +61-8-8332-2845; Fax: +61-8-8333-0394; e-mail: aate@aate.org.au; Web site: http://www.aate.org.au
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A