The love and tragedy of William Shakespeare was on full display at St. Mary of Gostyn school. The theatrical troupe Storefront Shakespeare performed a wide range of popular Shakespeare scenes for St. Mary middle school (6th – 8th grade) students as a part of their Shakespeare curriculum.

The performance capped a Shakespeare unit that included analyzing vocabulary, quotations, characters, and word combinations as well as studying the poet’s references to life and plot.

“By studying Shakespeare in junior high, we are preparing students for high school literature,” said Jean Zanotti, St. Mary English teacher. “Students learn to read and analyze classical literature while appreciating Shakespeare’s enduring commentary on life and relationships.”

Romeo and Juliet declaring their love for one another and a fatal sword battle from Macbeth were the highlights of the plays. Storefront Shakespeare brings these plays to life by performing them at area schools free of charge.

“I believe one’s introduction to Shakespeare’s plays should be through seeing them performed with all of the drama and excitement that actors can provide,” said Nora Manca, president, Storefront Shakespeare. “Shakespeare’s plays were intended to be performed, not simply read.”

Seventh grader Keara C. echoed that sentiment, saying, “The performance demonstrated what Shakespeare really meant to show us in his writings.”

“We reviewed Shakespeare’s writings in class, but the actors really brought the stories to life,” said Robert G., seventh grade student.

St. Mary of Gostyn school offers preschool, full- and half-day kindergarten and excellence in its first through eighth grade Catholic education. For more information, contact Dianne Czopek at (630) 968-6155.