Title: Will's Twins
Description: A play by Patrick SpillaneIn this lively romp, Will Shakespeare is broke and returns from London to the Stratford family home and a frosty reception from his wife Anne Hathaway. He hopes to stage a sponsored performance of his newest play “A Midsummer Night's Dream”. He is short of actors and has to talk his reluctant son Hamnet into playing a female role. Hamnet is more into wrestling and hunting than the strange world of boy actors and is most unwilling to play a female on stage. His twin sister Judith, his mate Tom and Tom's conveniently-named sister Hermia combine with Meg the cheeky housekeeper to help out and create subsequent confusion. Right from the start the play moves at a cracking pace with much mirth and madness.The text is intended for the junior English classroom (14 – 15 year olds) but has also been used very successfully at the senior level (16 – 18 year olds). As well as the play, the book includes differentiated close-reading, language and writing activities. There are many pre-play and post-play activities making it a complete teaching package. This play is great for an accessible introduction to the Shakespearian world and as part of thematic teaching on fantasy, dream, friendship, imaginary worlds, growing up and family. There are many opportunities for class involvement in the readings, group activities, language and literary work in this attractive and practical text.This play effortlessly challenges and involves students and meets the requirements of the English and Drama curriculum’s key competencies. e.g. Using Language and Texts and Thinking. The play is a highly enjoyable exploration of a unique Elizabethan teenage world with plenty of oral, visual and written communication. Lots of thinking skills and differentiated activities. An accessible, attractive and well thought out and packaged text for busy teachers.Participating and Contributing, Relating to Others and Managing Self: An interactive and energetic text with plenty of group work and the chance for students to “participate and contribute actively in new roles”. This is an original, charming play and text that provides unique classroom opportunities. Will’s Twins is a superb new play that not only contains a charming but lively class drama text but also contains a number of introductory and post play language and literature activities. It contains great language, physical comedy and many other opportunities for a lively and enjoyable school production. The whole package means minimal preparation work for busy teachers.
Subjects: Drama, Fiction, Young Adult Literature