Shakespeare in Haiti!

It was a long shot, but I felt like it was worth it!

A couple of my advanced students had voiced interest in learning a bit about William Shakespeare! We had done a great deal of writing in this English composition class, and lots of speaking and listening and reading.  BUT not a smidge of exploring English literature, so I was game.

Matt Smith who is the on-the-ground representative of OKIPE, the group sponsoring Madam Soliette's childen's home here in Anse-a-Galets, is an actor at heart.  In his former life, the Californian  was on the big screen and stage - that was before the Lord got hold of him and he found himself in places like Africa and Haiti, representing an amazing non-profit SHINE - but that's another story ...

This night, he was guest professor with students from my combined English Composition classes.

From the beginning of the evening, the adult students

                             were held / by Matt / in rapt / revere / and awe

and we all learned new things and even tried our hand at producing some verses in iambic pentameter!

After sharing the high points about this mysterious and fascinating poet and playwright, Matt treated us to an amazing soliloquy from Henry V, full of dramatic passion and inspiration - and the Haitians and Americans alike broke into applause as the final words died off.

And, then - the piece de resistance!  Romeo and Juliet!

After the disclaimer ( and warning!) that in Shakespeare's day, women were not allowed to act on stage, the project manager of the new Wesleyan hospital which is being built on our compound, arrived in a white sundress and wig ( those of you who know the movie "Brave" might have recognized the long, curly red wig that was donated by one of the missionary kids!!!).  What followed was a magnificent rendition of the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet!  Matt and a visiting English teacher and drama coach had worked together with Julian for three weeks - and the finished project was nothing short of amazing!!

The applause that followed Juliet's departure from the "balcony" (a folding chair) and Romeo's leaving the ''Capulet estate grounds" (the chapel room in the hospital!) was thunderous!

And, a great evening was had by all!   Matt worked hard to communicate in ways that ESL students could understand.

 The students made a great effort taking in the information and understanding new things about a renowned figure in English literature.  We all were treated to some fine theatre.

I was wondering if anyone was going to ask for autographs!

Instead, there was the request from a couple of the students to have another night like this when they can learn more about English literature!

It was well worth it!