Activity: Soliloquy Remix

This activity was provided by Paula Nevins (BA, BEd, MA, OCT); adapted from an activity shared at a past Stratford Festival’s teacher workshop. This activity can stand alone or follow the Cut To activity as an extension.

BEFORE SEEING THE PLAY – use the quotes to inspire students to start thinking about what the play might be about. Encourage prediction to build anticipation! Students are challenged to create original scenes or scenarios based on the quotes

AFTER SEEING THE PLAY – use the quotes to delve deeper into the meaning of the play, and to develop the ability of students to embody the feelings and messages in the text.

DURATION: Approximately 45 minutes

Learning Objectives Students demystify and build comfort with the text. Students deconstruct the text for greater insight and understanding. Students bring forth their own voices and interpretations using the text.

Steps Activity Instructions

1 10 minutes Preparation Print copies of the quotes found in Appendix A. Select ‘mood music’ that is conducive to group brainstorming and productivity. Set up the space to allow for movement

2 5 minutes Provide or generate quotes Provide students with quotes from Hamlet, or have the class generate their own list of quotes

3 5 minutes Selecting quotes Each student picks one line that is the most important to them. They memorize it, and practice saying it aloud or silently.

4 20 minutes Remix Students stand in one line or spread out throughout the room, with lights dimmed and mood music playing. The teacher walks throughout the room and, one by one, taps different students on the shoulder. When a student’s shoulder is tapped, they speak their line aloud.

As a group, we hear a remix of the play. The teacher (or designated student “tapper” becomes like a DJ of that speech

6 10 minutes Reflection Discussion questions

• How did this activity affect your experience of your own quote?

• Did you gain any new insights into the play?

• What did it feel like to be tapped, or to be the one tapping?