Shakespeare Flesh and Blood: Action and Suspense in English Language Arts

All assembled, from left: Leonard Williams (Laertes): Alex Zavistovich, Molotov Theatre Group Artistic Director; Jovon Johnson (Hamlet); Jennifer Restak (Ballou STAY teacher, English Language Arts); Laray Barnes (Gertrude); DC Councilmember David Grosso; Aaron Long (Claudius)

Shakespeare Flesh and Blood is a pilot common-core curriculum, executed in partnership between Ballou STAY High School in Anacostia and Molotov Theatre Group. The program focused on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act 5, Scene 2.

The curriculum work culminated in a performance by students at The Wilson Building on March 16, 2016, as part of Politics and Art, a Jam Session — a cooperative effort between Washington Performing Arts and Councilmember David Grosso’s ArtsAction DC coalition.

The Shakespeare Flesh and Blood curriculum engages students in the action and suspense of Shakespeare in the classroom through performance and literacy, locating the drama and action of Shakespeare in the context of Grand Guignol Theatre.

For more information about the Shakespeare Flesh and Blood curriculum, contact alex@molotovtheatre.org

Our performance venue at the Wilson Building, offices of the DC Council

“Drink off this potion. Follow my mother.” (Jovon Johnson, Aaron Long)

“Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet.”
(Leonard Williams)