Well, while we're riding the sweet Shakespeare waves, let's tan with the lotion of contemporary poetic responses (but let's not get stuck on my bad metaphors). Most of us know the story Shakespeare made most famous, Romeo & Juliet. Teaching this brilliant play to ninth graders a few years ago was definitely a teaching highlight: seeing young people move beyond initial resistance and doubt to heartfelt classroom discussions and productions was deeply satisfying. For one lesson, we watched two versions of the famous balcony scene between the main characters: the classic and sexy Zeffirelli version and Luhrmann's modern adaptation (also sexy). The students analyzed the artistic decisions each director made (between giggles), and several of them performed creative renditions in pairs -- blushing, as I was blushing, at the awkwardness of performing romance in these crowded classroom conditions. It was a memorable experience!
What if the play had ended differently, we asked at the end of our unit. What if the lovers had found a way to make it? Maxine Kumin answers this question brilliantly (with tongue firmly planted in cheek) in her sonnet, "Purgatory," which can be read and listened to here. Enjoy!
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