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KS2 / KS3 English Literature: A retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare - animation

Video summary

An animated version of William Shakespeare’s 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' in a retelling of the classic play set to modern music.

In a wood outside Athens is the realm of Oberon and Titania the king and queen of the fairies; they are having an argument about who should have custody of a human child.

Into the middle of their quarrel stumble four young lovers; they too are arguing with each other.

Finally there’s a group of hopeless amateur actors led by Bottom and Quince who are trying to rehearse a play.

Oberon and his attendant Puck try to help the lovers, but only make matters worse.

They also give Bottom a donkey’s head and make Titania fall in love with him as a punishment for her stubbornness.

Confusion reigns, but eventually Oberon and Titania are reunited, the lovers get married and the actors perform their play at the wedding celebration.

This is from the series: Shakespeare in Shorts.

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Teacher Notes

Key Stage 2:

This clip could be used as an introduction to the play, consolidation of key aspects or for revision of the plot and characters.

It could also provide a springboard for pupils to write their own modernised versions of this or another Shakespeare play perhaps using music or linked to developing artwork.

Key Stage 3:

This clip could form the basis for some improvisation work by students or for learning and delivering sections of text.

It could also be used as a stimulus for creative writing tasks involving the inner thoughts of specific characters.

This clip will be suitable for teaching English at KS2 and KS3 in England, KS3 and English Literature GCSE in Wales, KS1, KS2 and KS3 in Northern Ireland and 2nd, 3rd and 4th level in Scotland.

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