Shakespeare, William

As You Like It (1978)

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Shakespeare at his funniest, posing serious questions in the most lighthearted tone. Is there a "natural difference" between a Duke's daughter and a commoner? Are men really stronger than women or is it just their roles in society? Some of these characters briefly discard the roles they've played in life, while others adopt new ones. In the end, they all learn something about themsleves.

Grade Level: 
High
Length: 
02:30
As You Like It

A Midsummer Night's Dream (1981)

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Three plots intertwine: the entangled love affairs of Demetrius, Helena, Lysander and Hermia; the comic performance of a "play within a play" by the tradesmen of Athens; and the antics in fairyland of King Oberon and Queen Titania.

Grade Level: 
Middle
High
Length: 
01:52
A Midsummer Night's Dream

The Taming of the Shrew (1980)

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This comic confrontation between the sexes is one of the most frequently-staged Shakespeare plays. Its sparkling wit and rich characterizations are matched with an outstanding portrayal of Petruchio that has won unanimous critical acclaim, praised as "an object lesson in serving Shakespeare to a present-day audience."

Grade Level: 
High
Length: 
02:07
The Taming of the Shrew

The Tempest (1980)

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This playful romance weaves fantasy and realism into a plot that still relates to today's audiences. This timeless, comedy play is set on an enchanted island where an exiled Duke and two young lovers encounter the occult, finding good and evil within themselves.

Grade Level: 
High
Length: 
02:30
The Tempest

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