Giles Terera
Hamlet
Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s most studied plays, yet its dense language, complex characters, and weighty questions can feel daunting when students encounter it only on the page. Shakespeare wrote for the stage, and his work comes alive when spoken, acted, and performed.
This guide places practical exploration and performance at the heart of teaching, helping students break through barriers and engage with the play in a hands-on, meaningful way.
We know learning is most effective when it is collaborative, interactive, and connected to students’ experiences. This resource offers a variety of practical strategies and ideas forexploring themes, language, characters, and staging. By using the strategies outlined in this guide, students will gain not only a deeper understanding of the text but also a broader appreciation of its relevance, resonance, and the skills they can apply beyond the classroom.
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Lord of the Flies
At its core, Lord of the Flies raises questions about power, identity, belonging and morality- questions that continue to resonate with students today. Seeing the story brought to life on stage offers a unique opportunity to experience its energy, conflict and raw humanity in ways that extend far beyond the page.
The activities in this guide are intended to give students tools to step inside the world of the text. Through drama exercises, discussion prompts and creative tasks, they are encouraged to explore not only the story’s characters and themes, but also its wider social and moral questions. We hope these approaches will open up fresh perspectives on the text, enabling students to engage both intellectually and emotionally.
At Chichester Festival Theatre, we believe in the power of live performance to provoke thought, ignite curiosity and inspire dialogue. We hope you find the ideas in this guide useful in supporting learning, deepening understanding and encouraging debate. Lord of the Flies is a story about young people and the choices they face; it asks difficult questions but also creates space for imagination, creativity and empathy.
We are excited to share this resource with you and your students, and we look forward to welcoming you to the theatre.