Macbeth

Taken from a Shakespeare collection for children.

Retold by: Andrew Matthews

Illustrated by: Tony Ross

Age: KS2

Easy approach to Shakespeare with some basic historical context on the Globe theatre and the time it was written (cross curricular links).

Provides a cast list to refer to - helps avoid confusion with names of characters.

Play written in modern English and in a narrative form, may be simpler to understand than original play format with Shakespearean English. This will break down language and format barriers to allow children to focus on the characters, plot and themes.

Possible themes:

Gothic

Tragedy

Ambition

Relationships

Good/Evil

Battle

Witchcraft

Many opportunities for drama - produce own scripts and re-create a scene, hot-seating, role-play etc.

Explore key questions and create class debates - e.g. Is Macbeth to blame for everything? (discuss role of witches, his wife, Banquo etc.)

Introduce Shakespearean language with some key phrases from the original play, allowing for exploration and discussion on the meaning of the words and how they are written.