Thursday, February 13, 2014

Oxford School Shakespeare










Hamlet
A young prince meets with his father's ghost, who alleges that his own brother, now married to his widow, murdered him. The prince devises a scheme to test the truth of the ghost's accusation, feigning wild madness while plotting a brutal revenge. But his apparent insanity soon begins to wreak havoc on innocent and guilty alike

Julius Caesar
Loved by the Roman crowd but increasingly feared by the Senators, Caesar increasingly shows signs of his desire to abolish the Republic and crown himself emperor. A conspiracy is hatched, led by Cassius and Brutus, who murder Caesar on the steps of the Capitol.

Macbeth
Goaded by his ambitious wife, Macbeth murders Duncan, King of Scotland, in order to succeed to the throne. Tortured by his conscience and fearful of discovery, the Scottish nobleman becomes tangled in a web of treachery and deceit that ultimately spells his doom.

Othello
One of the greatest of Shakespeare's tragedies, Othello tells the story of a Moorish general who is deemed one of the Venetian state's most reliable soldiers. However, his ensign Iago harbours an obscure hatred against his general, and when Othello secretly marries the beautiful daughter of the Venetian senator Brabanzio, Iago begins his subtle campaign of vilification.

Romeo and Juliet
A young man and woman meet by chance and fall instantly in love. But their families are bitter enemies, and in order to be together the two lovers must be prepared to risk everything. Set in a city torn apart by feuds and gang warfare, Romeo and Juliet is a tragic tale of star-crossed lovers and feuding families.

The Merchant of Venice
Antonio promises money to help his friend Bassanio woo Portia. He borrows the sum needed from the cruel Shylock, but there will be a dreadful penalty if the loan is not repaid.

The Tempest
Prospero and his daughter Miranda have been exiled to a mysterious island, where he uses his magical powers to control his enemies.

Twelfth Night
Viola and her twin brother Sebastian are separated in a storm, which washes them both up at different points on the shores of Illyria. Believing each other to be dead, both attempt to survive by using their wits.