Ethel Walker School
Walker’s came together on Wednesday, March 1 to pay tribute to William Shakespeare at the School’s sixth Shakespeare Fest. The event, which took place in a re-constructed Abra’s, featured a range of classic and modernized scenes from some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, performed by student actors from each grade. Plays included A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, The Winter’s Tale, and Hamlet.
The event was a festive affair, with students donning costumes and showcasing their acting skills to an enthusiastic audience. From dramatic fight scenes to sing-offs and jesters, there was no shortage of entertainment to be had. Each class was given the chance to put their own unique twist on a scene, resulting in a range of diverse and exciting performances.
Natalie Stewart ’23 writes:
As a student in the Shakespeare Seminar, I have been studying Shakespeare’s work since the beginning of the semester. This event was the perfect culmination of all the work our class has done this semester analyzing Hamlet.
The Shakespeare Fest didn’t just begin on Wednesday. Each English class had the opportunity to stage their own scene based on which play they were studying. Each class worked tirelessly and creatively rehearsing their performances to be judged against other classes in their grade. One performance from each grade was selected to perform in front of the entire Walker’s community. Students embraced this challenge and brought incredible enthusiasm and humor to their performances. Not only did the students perform, the faculty performed a Macbeth scene of their own. Their passion and love for Shakespeare was contagious, and it was an amazing finale to a joyous Shakespeare Fest. Not to mention, this festival wasn’t just limited to performances of Shakespeare. The Walker’s community was fully immersed in everything Shakespeare from food to spring dances. Carol Clark-Flanagan, English and History teacher, hosted the event as our amazing Mistress of Revels. Orchestra and Dance Workshop performed brillant, classic pieces of music. Ms. and Mr. Vis performed a heartfelt sonnet and epilogue. Students even juggled, complete with costumes and all. Our dining hall, Abra’s, was transformed into Elizabethan-era England. Biscuits, milkshakes, and beef stew, among other variations of early 17th century foods, were served for lunch to wrap up the Shakespeare extravaganza.
Overall, the event was a great success, showcasing the talent and creativity of the Walker’s community. It was a wonderful celebration of the work of William Shakespeare, and a testament to the enduring power and appeal of his plays. Huzzah!
