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Video

The Tempest: Two sides of Caliban

Caliban is one of Shakespeare's most fascinating characters. Half human and the son of a witch, Caliban attacks Prospero's daughter Miranda. However, he is not without a sympathetic side. In this scene from Act 1.2 of 'The Tempest', with Miranda Tapsell, John Bell and Damien Strouthos of Bell Shakespeare, Caliban's impassioned ...

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The Tempest: Shakespeare's farewell?

'The Tempest' is believed by some to be Shakespeare's final play. With this in mind, could Prospero in some ways represent Shakespeare himself? If so, Prospero's epilogue at the end of the play takes on a new and poignant resonance. John Bell discusses the themes of giving up and letting go with Bell Shakespeare's James ...

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Othello: Was Shakespeare a feminist?

Shakespeare seems to have a complicated relationship with his female characters. Some of his heroines are quite timid and compliant while others are complex and strong. Here, James Evans and Kate Mulvany from Bell Shakespeare explore Emilia's impassioned speech to Desdemona in Act 4, scene 3 of 'Othello'. They consider ...

Video

Macbeth: Theatre as life

Shakespeare seems to be obsessed with using theatre as a metaphor for life, as the imagery of playacting and performance features in many of his plays. Hear what Bell Shakespeare's Ivan Donato and John Bell have to say about this symbolism in Macbeth's final soliloquy. As you watch, consider the life lessons that Macbeth ...

Video

Julius Caesar: Comprehending Cassius

Cassius from Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' is a very complex character! Although conspiring to overthrow Julius Caesar, the motivation to do so appears to stem from patriotism to Rome. Or does it? Join Bell Shakespeare's James Evans as he discusses Shakespeare's characterisation of this historical figure with actors Kate ...

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Julius Caesar: The adder and the ladder

Shakespeare's tragedies provide his audiences with moral dilemmas. Julius Caesar is no exception. In this soliloquy, Brutus ponders whether assassinating Julius Caesar would be in the best interests of Rome. Shakespeare's use of metaphor provides the key to understanding Brutus' motivation, convincingly brought to life ...

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Romeo and Juliet: Galloping towards tragedy

Have you ever waited for someone with such anticipation that you felt you might burst? That's exactly the feeling experienced by Juliet, played by Miranda Tapsell of Bell Shakespeare, in this soliloquy as she calls on night to arrive and bring her new husband. Shakespeare's masterful use of dramatic irony puts the audience ...

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Julius Caesar: Justifying murder

Brutus is in a dilemma! His friend Julius Caesar is about to be crowned Emperor of Rome. However, Brutus is concerned that Caesar will become a tyrant, and he wants to do what is best for Rome. Join interviewer James Evans and actors John Bell and Hazem Shammas from Bell Shakespeare as they explore the language of this ...

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Othello: Is Iago the vilest villain?

Some characters we just love to hate! Iago, the villain in Shakespeare's 'Othello', is a perfect example: scheming, manipulative but oh-so-clever. James Evans and actor Damien Ryan both of Bell Shakespeare, discuss the complex role of Iago. Evans explains just how skilfully Shakespeare employs language to fashion the dark ...

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Lady Macbeth: The power of deadly persuasion

After considering the matter carefully, Macbeth decides not to carry out the plan to murder King Duncan. Until, that is, he is persuaded to by his wife. Lady Macbeth is a fascinating character. Devoted wife or villainess? Watch this performance from Kate Mulvany and Ivan Donato of Bell Shakespeare to decide for yourself.

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Worlds united

Worlds united is part of the unit Worlds, and is also an independent resource that can be used as an ideal introduction to the area of study for students in years 9 or 10. Worlds united explores the ways worlds are drawn together, sharing common goals and actions in the experiences of everyday life. It has activities and ...

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Worlds

Worlds is a unit of work based on the English Stage 6 area of study that can be used as an ideal introduction for students in years 10 or 11. It contains four independent resources, Worlds united, Worlds apart, Worlds collide and Worlds beyond. Each part has three texts to help students examine and explore the area of study ...

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Worlds apart

Worlds apart is part of the unit Worlds, and is also an independent resource that can be used as an ideal introduction to the area of study for students in years 10. Worlds apart explores the ways in which individuals and communities, through their different values and attitudes, react to change. It has activities and tasks ...

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Worlds beyond

Worlds beyond is part of the unit Worlds, and is also an independent resource that can be used as an ideal introduction to the area of study for students in years 9 or 10. Worlds beyond explores ideas and perspectives underlying future societies and the impact of technology on individuals. It has activities and tasks using ...

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Merri Creek - river of rubbish?

Find out about some of the issues and solutions related to managing litter pollution at a local creek. View this clip called 'Merri Creek - river of rubbish?', created by young reporters from North Fitzroy Primary School, Victoria. The clip was developed as part of the ABC Splash Live 'Making the news!' project, which featured ...

Audio

Radio National: The Awabakal language of the Newcastle area

The Awabakal language, once common in the area now known as Newcastle, was almost 'lost'. It is being brought back to life using old texts and translations left by an early missionary. In this audio clip, listen to a discussion about the importance of reconstructing the Awabakal language and the challenges this poses.

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Creating cartoons

The resource focuses on discussing, analysing and explaining a variety of cartoons in a variety of print and digital texts. It will enhance visual literacy skills in a range of media texts. Students have the opportunity to create cartoons to share with others. This resource supports the Australian Curriculum in English K–10.

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Exploring short stories - The Necklace

This short story resource features a short story by Guy de Maupassant. Students look at the structure and narrative features as they listen to the story. Language focus includes direct and indirect speech and character development through dialogue. Students compose alternative endings and write a script using the free software, ...

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Writing a discussion

The resource contains information, activities and tasks on how to write a discussion. It includes writing and publishing templates for students for a variety of purposes and contexts. This resource supports the Australian Curriculum in English K–10.

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Syllabus bites – responding to literature

A web page with information, teacher guides and resources on responding to texts. This resource supports the NSW English K-10 syllabus.