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AO3: A focus on different readings of texts

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Three steps to an informed personal response: 1.Encountering the play a)A return to Shakespeare b)First reactions to the text as a whole c)Beyond liking or understanding an objective look at your shared reactions 2.Working through the text using the AOs as a framework for detailed analysis a)AO2 looking at language, action and structure b)AO3 views of the action within the text, by critics, and in performance c)AO4 issues of the time; reflections of the age (then/now); how the play works for an audience 3.Focusing on the exam/possible questions (exam practice) a)AO1 core issues (the plays central concerns) b)AO2 dramatic structure, setting, characterisation and register c)AO3/4 historic criticism and reception; modern criticism; significant/effective productions d)AO4 sources

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Key AOs for AMND: critical understanding in analysis of language, form and structure responses informed by interpretations of others

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Interpretations of others Candidates [...] need to consider different interpretations of their set texts. Many candidates were able to name a range of well-known critics and engage with their debates, which worked very well... Perhaps an active focus in teaching on discovering critics rather than being given a list of critical quotes to learn would be beneficial. 1. Critical essays and quotes http://pinterest.com/vakeswick/a-midsummer-nights-dream/ Sources for AO3: Critical anthologies and study guides available for loan Essay pack and crib sheet of critical quotes Critical interpretations throughout close study of scenes (on PPTs and handouts)

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2. Plays in performance ...a substantial amount of comment on the plays in performance. This gave an excellent source of (AO3) dramatic interpretation and informed some very intelligent arguments. ...much relevant and useful comment on the recent production of the play at Shakespeares Globe. There has been continued improvement in the use of performance based materials in essays on drama texts. Strong focus on plays in the theatre has led not only to much more efficient writing about how dramatic effects are generated and developed, and how different directorial decisions themselves constitute acts of criticism, but also to plays being seen in the context of long and often complex theatrical histories. Interpretations of others

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You are going to be given a production of A Midsummer Nights Dream to present to the rest of the class. Your presentation should take the form of a PowerPoint (which can then be uploaded to the course website) and should contain the following where possible: 1.Images of the main characters and scenes, as well as staging and costume design 2.Video clips of key scenes 3.Key extracts from reviews, focusing on interpretation, character, theme and the success of the directors interpretation 4.Any behind the scenes information you can find, particularly with reference to directorial intent and interpretation 5.Any significant information regarding casting, staging etc. 6.A summary of the productions key decision with regards to character, theme and setting 7. Your opinion about the successes (or otherwise) of the production

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Peter Halls film version, starring Judi Dench, Diana Rigg, Helen Mirren and Ian Holm (1968) Adrian Nobles RSC production (1994) and film of this (1996) (2 people) The classic Max Reinhardt and William Dieterle film from 1935, starring James Cagney and Mickey Rooney Michael Hoffmans 1999 adaptation, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Rupert Everett

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Peter Brooks massively influential RSC production, starring Ben Kingsley and Francis de la Tour (1970) Gregory Dorans RSC production (2005) Nancy Mecklers RSC production (2011) Tim Supples RSC production (2006) Peter Halls 2011 version for Rose Theatre, starring Judi Dench. (Can link with the person looking at their 1968 collaboration.)

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The Globe, 2013 Propeller, 2013-14 (currently touring) dream40.org