The Shakespearean Student

For Women's History Month, I do an analysis of Shakespeare's Roman Characters- Tamara and Lavinia in "Titus Andronicus," Portia in "Julius Caesar," Valumnia in "Coriolanus," and Cleopatra in "Antony and Cleopatra." This will include some historical context into the feminine values that Romans instilled in their women, which carried over into Shakespeare's day. I argue that in all his plays, but especially in his Roman plays, Shakespeare challenges and subverts traditional gender norms, but always in a subtle and balanced way. 

I examine the traditions of Shrove Tuesday and Lent, and how they transfer into plays like "Merchant of Venice" and "Measure For Measure"

A dramatic reading of Act V, Scene i of "Romeo and Juliet." This is a modern type paraphrase by Perfection Learning, (2012). All parts played by me.

A full dramatized reading of the first meeting between Romeo and Juliet in a modern paraphrase by Perfection Learning.

Paul Hricik- Lord Capulet, Cousin Cauplet, Tybalt, Benvolio, and Romeo

Sara Hricik- Juliet, Nurse

Modern paraphrase of Act I, Scene iii of Romeo and Juliet. All parts played by Sara Hricik.

My interpretation of Mercutio's Queen Mab speech, from Act I, Scene iv of "Romeo and Juliet."

I delve into the mysterious world of Shakespeare's sonnets, explaining what a sonnet is, the strange conspiracies that have arisen around them, and the way they inspire passion, thought, and awe in people who read and listen to them. 

This is another recording of the first scene of "Romeo and Juliet," where I read a paraphrase of the text, written by Rene Weis of University College, London, not Shakespeare's dialogue. Note the way she adapts different ideas from the text to make sense to modern audiences. Some ideas like the concept of humours don't directly translate to modern audiences, so there will always be limitations when you read a "translation" of Shakespeare instead of the actual play. Nevertheless, Professor Weis' version does a great job of preserving the emotional journey of the characters, and the metaphors and imagery Shakespeare uses in a modern context.

Here's a dramatic reading of Act I, Scene ii of Romeo and Juliet. All the parts are played by ME! This is actually a paraphrase of the Shakespearean text that you can use in your classroom.

A dramatic reading of the first scene of Romeo and Juliet. All parts played by ME!