in new Yale Rep program
The Yale Repertory Theatre will promote the study of Shakespeare by area students via its new program "Will Power!"
The program will bring about 3,000 New Haven area students to an extended week of matinee performances of a play by Shakespeare at the Yale Rep and will provide extensive classroom support for the study of works by the Bard.
"Will Power!" seeks to expand students' abilities in several curriculum areas while developing greater recognition of the broad scope that art covers and the relevancy of art in today's world. The collaborative program will harness the talents of individuals from the Yale Rep and the School of Drama (including graduate students in its Department of Dramatic Criticism and Dramaturgy), as well as New Haven public schoolteachers.
The centerpiece for the 2003-2004 "Will Power!" program will be the Yale Rep's production of "King Lear," directed by Hal Scott and starring Avery Brooks. Matinees for that play will be offered in March. Productions of different Shakespearean plays will be offered in March 2005 and 2006.
James Bundy, artistic director of the Yale Rep and dean of the School of Drama, is the the principal investigator and architect of the program. Bundy will lead a team of drama faculty that will engage both teachers and students in a thorough study of the play's text and the theatrical production.
As part of the program, Yale dramaturgy students will meet with area students in their classrooms -- either in person or via virtual visit -- to explore various topics that pertain to the play. The public school teachers will also be provided with a one-day teacher training workshop at Yale Rep, suggested pre- and post-performance activities, and a bibliography of primary and secondary sources.
By stressing the connections between the curriculum, the text and the theater experience, the program seeks to provide students with an intense, participatory approach to understanding Shakespeare that will help them develop their critical thinking skills as well as their reading, writing and communication skills. Through the study of theater, students will also be introduced to a variety of cultures, traditions and ideas.
"'Will Power!' takes the examination of Shakespeare in the classroom and shapes it into an experience that should be expected of art -- an experience of irresistible participation, an experience where students can't help but be engaged and excited about all of the subjects that great art encompasses," says Bundy. "The ideas that are contained within great theatrical works are often unfolded gradually. 'Will Power!' creates an opportunity for this unfolding to happen in a way that is highly accessible for a young audience and in a way that will allow students to continue to find even more meaning in theatrical works as they continue on in their lives."
Educators interested in learning more about "Will Power!" or in purchasing tickets for matinee performaces of "King Lear" should contact Ruth Feldman, the Yale Rep's newly appointed education manager, at (203) 432-8425 or rm.feldman@yale.edu.
T H I S
W E E K ' SS T O R I E S
Groundbreakings celebrate construction of new chemistry andengineering buildingsFacility will support state-of-the-art research . . .
Building will house new Department of Biomedical Engineering
Eire autobiography wins National Book Award
Dyslexia has been hurdle for scientist and 'Ironman' competitor
ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPSDiMaio is appointed as Von Zedtwitz Professor of Genetics
Hebert designated as C.N.H. Long Professor of Physiology
Somlo named as C.N.H. Long Professor in Internal Medicine
In Focus: Center for Faith and Culture
Center aims to ease patients' anxiety about breast cancer
Noël Valis' book awarded Modern Language Association prize
Journalist reports greater willingness to talk openly in China
City students to study Shakespeare in new Yale Rep program
Drama School to stage Wilder's play about 'First Family'
Human evolution preserved in 'pseudogenes,' say scientists
Study: Mother's anti-depressant doesn't affect her nursing baby
Study shows spiritual belief and prayer can aid high-risk youth
The Fine Art of Shopping
'Sacred spaces' on campus featured in new calendar
Alternative Gift Market allows shoppers to help the world's poor
Pepper Center awards will support research related to aging process
Scientists to refine literacy game with support from grant
Dr. Barry Kacinski dies; renowned for work in field of DNA repair
Leon Clark dies; his work enhanced understanding of other cultures
Yale Books in Brief
Campus Notes
Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events|In the News
Bulletin Board|Classified Ads|Search Archives|Deadlines
Bulletin Staff|Public Affairs|News Releases|
E-Mail Us|Yale Home