Bringing the Bard to Life: International School of Monaco Conference

Stuart Rathe, a BHSA Junior teacher and Shakespeare practitioner, recently spoke at the Innovate, Share, Empower conference in Monaco to share his expertise in drama-led literacy.
Stuart’s workshop, "Bringing Texts to Life," challenged the idea that Shakespeare belongs only on the page. Using Romeo and Juliet, he led international delegates through a series of "active rehearsals"—using freeze-framing, storytelling, and language techniques to help students unlock Shakespeare's plot, character and themes.

"The goal is to move the text from the desk to the floor," says Stuart. "When students physically embody Shakespeare's stories, it all begins to make sense to them. Shakespeare is designed to be seen and acted, rather than read, and I'm a huge fan of rehearsal room practice to foster greater understanding."

The session was a hit with the international audience, showcasing the creative and innovative teaching practices that define the GDST family of schools. Stuart is now looking forward to continuing his "rehearsal room" approach to Shakespeare back home, including during BHSA Junior's dedicated Shakespeare Week.