On the heels of Sierra Canyon's Upper School production of Romeo and Juliet, Mr. Romano's Honors English II students are keeping the spirit of the Bard alive in the classroom.
Students in 10th Grade performed Shakespearean monologues and soliloquies to culminate their study of Othello, selecting poetry and prose from the tragic tale of the Venetian general "perplexed in the extreme" by the manipulations of his scheming ensign. Performing Shakespeare posed a unique set of challenges. The intricate language and dense poetic verse of Shakespearean plays demand a deep understanding of the text, making it essential for performers to grasp the literal meaning of the words and the nuanced emotions and cultural contexts embedded within them. It was crucial to Mr. Romano that students perform—not simply recite—their chosen passages. He highlighted, "Rote memorization does not lead to understanding. The most important part of the assessment is the performative element. I want students to consider their dramatic choices and pacing carefully."
Eliyah L. '26 added, "When preparing for my performance, I felt that I could understand the character's perspective and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Shakespeare's choice of diction. I enjoyed the preparation for this performance, pushing me to do something I have never done before." Mr. Romano hoped this experience would stay with his students well beyond the class, sharing, "Reading the play aloud is entirely different from acting it out for your peers." He underscored that the assignment extends beyond mastering Shakespeare's language. Instead, students are actively developing their verbal and non-verbal communication skills, a lesson intended to leave a lasting impact throughout their lives.
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