Give It Up
Available February 2nd – April 20th, 2012
Literacy and Violence Prevention Themes
Shakespeare for elementary school students? Yes–but this is not your average Shakespeare play!
The Merchant of Venice has been given a makeover so it is relevant and accessible for elementary school-aged audiences. In a unique collaboration with Imagination Makers, students from University Hill Elementary in Boulder and Gilpin Elementary in Denver rewrote The Merchant of Venice. The students’ writing breathes new life into the story while maintaining the original plot and flavor of Shakespeare’s language.
Give It Up deals with themes of revenge and forgiveness, issues that young people regularly face. The story starts with Shylock, who is relentlessly ridiculed by Antonio. Shylock plans revenge against his enemy. When the plan backfires, Antonio ends up in a position to punish Shylock, but instead decides to forgive him.
With wit and insight, the story provides a model for making the difficult choice to end the cycle of vengeance. The young voice and fresh perspective ensure that there are also lots of laughs in this powerful play.
“My class was so excited about the performance. I have heard ‘doth’ and ‘thou’ all morning. Some asked me to read Shakespeare! –Kimberly Freeman, teacher, Elk Creek Elementary
Click HERE to download the “Give It Up” Teacher’s Guide.
Click the link below to watch a short clip of “Give It Up”.
