Much Ado About Nothing The 2014 Linny Fowler WillPower Tour STUDY GUIDE There was a star danced, and under that was I born. Act 2, Scene 1 Much Ado About Nothing Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s production is part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, a national program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. The Linny Fowler WillPower Tour is made possible through a generous gift from: Beall and Marlene “Linny” Fowler And these generous supporters: Amaranth Foundation Anonymous Foundation Lee and Dolly Butz Crayola DeSales University Embassy Bank The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Christine and Michael Perrucci The National Endowment for the Arts in David and Trina Rothrock partnership with Arts Midwest presents Shakespeare in American Communities Shakespeare for a New Generation. The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is one of Carol Szarko 40 professional theater companies selected to participate in Shakespeare for a New Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Generation, bringing the finest productions of Shakespeare to middle- and high-school students across the United States. This is the twelfth year of Shakespeare for a New Generation, the largest tour of Shakespeare in the United States. Introduction Table of Contents Our performance of Much Ado About Nothing is PREPARING STUDENTS designed to energize and inspire your students- What Can We Do to Prepare? 5 instilling a greater understanding and Synopsis of the Play 6 appreciation of theater, Shakespeare, and Characters in Much Ado 7 language, both spoken and written. The post- WillPower Actors 8 show discussion allows students to directly WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE connect with the actor-teachers. For schools Who Was This Guy? 10 that have contracted for the full day program, Shakespeare’s England 11 workshops provide students with activities Shakepeare’s Theater 13 which illuminate the vitality of Shakespeare’s Timeline 14 words and characters in a highly engaging Shakespeare’s Language 15 experience. Shakespeare’s Inspiration 16 This study guide gives you information and Shakespeare Inspires 17 activities specific to this production of Much The Play in Performance 18 Ado About Nothing which is designed to give Elizabethan Marriage Customs 19 young people a fresh view on a classic work. Malapropisms 20 There is also information and resources on Quotes: On Shakespeare 21 Shakespeare’s life language, and theater. We CLASSROOM EXERCISES will bring all our skill, passion, and artistry to Before Reading Much Ado 22 the task. We hope you and your students While Reading Much Ado 23 enjoy, and will be filled with, WillPower! After Reading Much Ado 24 After Seeing Much Ado 25 More Activities Before Reading 26 More Activities While Reading 27 The Day of the Play 28 Essay & Discussion Questions 29 REFLECTION WORKSHEET 30 CHARACTER QUIZ 31 OPPORTUNITIES AT PSF 32 SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION 33 ACADEMIC STANDARDS 34 SOURCES & RESOURCES 35 4 Preparing Students to See Much Ado About Nothing What can we do in class to prepare? Read the synopsis. We know time is tight in the classroom and your students may not have the opportunity to read the whole play. That’s okay, but do give them a sense of the story. The experience of seeing the play will not be spoiled by knowing the end; it will only be enhanced. Shakespeare’s plays are driven by language and character. If we know the plot ahead of time, there is no worrying about following the events and we are able to enjoy Shakespeare’s language and the journey of the play. Our synopsis is on page 6. Get to know the characters. Shakespeare liked to create a large cast of characters. The people in his plays are as detailed and diverse as the people in our world. As their names can be unusual, it is helpful to review who is who and what they do before the play begins. Just like in Shakespeare’s day, our WillPower actors play multiple roles. Take a look at page 8 to find out how we perform Much Ado About Nothing with only nine actors! Introduce the language. Try thinking about Shakespeare’s language as 400 years younger than the English we speak today. It is more vibrant, imaginative, and full of passion and power. This is the element that creates the wild ride of a Shakespeare play. At first, our modern ear can be overwhelmed by the richness and complexity of the text. If you listen closely and give yourself a few minutes to adjust, the language will begin to reveal its exceptional beauty. Try the classroom activity on page 26 as a warm-up. Play your part. Remind your students that the performance happens in real time and they have a very important role to play. The actors will often be looking at and speaking directly to the audience as an acting partner and looking for a response. We invite students to participate as an engaged and supportive audience. When the audience is attentive and responsive, they share in the creation of magical theater moments. Live theatre is not the same experience as going to the movies or watching TV at home. In the same way, noises and distracting behavior will have a negative impact on the actors’ concentration and performance and affect the experience of the other spectators. Audience members should not talk to each other, unwrap candy or other food, search through a purse or backpack; they should also shut off wristwatch alarms and cellphones. Texting distracts those around you from the live event and you might miss the kiss, a bawdy joke, or an inspiring moment. Don’t check out! Remember that actors can see and hear the audience. 5 Synopsis Act 1 “I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.” A messenger alerts Leonato, the Governor of Messina, his daughter, Hero, and her cousin, Beatrice, that Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon, and his army are returning victorious from war. The Prince arrives with Benedick, Claudio, and Don Pedro’s half-brother, Don John. Claudio falls in love with Hero at first sight while Benedick and Beatrice begin a “merry war” of wits. Claudio tells Benedick of his love, but Benedick teases him and vows to be a lifelong bachelor. Don Pedro offers to help Claudio by wooing Hero on his behalf at the masked ball that evening. Don John’s servant, Borachio, overhears the plan and shares it with his master, who sees an opportunity to be a “plain-dealing villain.” Act 2 “Friendship is constant in all other things save in the office and affairs of love…” Before the party, Leonato urges Hero to be open to an offer of marriage if it comes her way, but Beatrice urges her to make her own decision and vows never to marry. The men arrive masked, and Don Pedro asks Hero to dance. Beatrice is paired with Benedick, but unaware of her dance partner’s identity, she calls Benedick a “dull fool.” Don John attempts to upset Claudio by saying that the Prince is courting Hero for himself, but this matter is quickly resolved when Don Pedro announces that he has successfully wooed Hero on Claudio’s behalf. Claudio and Hero will be married and Don Pedro decides that they should all trick Beatrice and Benedick into falling in love with each other. Unable to destroy their relationship, Don John plots to ruin Hero and Claudio’s wedding; he will use Hero’s maid, Margaret, to make it seem Hero is unfaithful. Don Pedro stages a conversation about Beatrice’s “love” for Benedick for Benedick to overhear, and Benedick secretly admits his affection for her. Act 3 “What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?” Beatrice overhears another staged conversation between Hero and Margaret about Benedick’s love for her, and she privately confesses her own affection for Benedick. Don John tells Pedro and Claudio that Hero is unfaithful, and “proves” it by leading them to Hero’s window, where Borachio is wooing Margaret. Dogberry, the bumbling local constable, and his follower, Verges, overhear the drunken Borachio bragging about the scheme to make Hero appear unfaithful. Dogberry and Verges arrest Borachio, but are unable to communicate the situation to Leonato. Act 4 “I do love nothing in the world so well as you. Is not that strange?” At the wedding, Claudio and Don Pedro publicly accuse Hero of being unfaithful. Hero protests her innocence, and the Friar suggests the family hide her away and pretend she is dead, so that the guilty parties may feel remorseful and the truth will come to light. Privately, Beatrice and Benedick confess their love for one another. Beatrice asks Benedick to prove his love by killing Claudio for shaming Hero, and Benedick reluctantly agrees. Meanwhile, Dogberry witlessly interrogates Borachio. Act 5 “A miracle! Here’s our own hands against our hearts.” Benedick challenges Claudio to a duel. Dogberry presents Borachio to Leonato and the plot against Hero is revealed. Leonato tells a remorseful Claudio that he can atone for his mistake by marrying Hero’s cousin in the morning. Benedick asks Leonato for Beatrice’s hand in marriage. Claudio, arriving to marry Hero’s cousin, happily discovers that the bride is Hero herself. Beatrice and Benedick realize they have been tricked into loving each other, and are forced to admit their affection to their friends and family. It is reported that Don John has been arrested and will be punished for his deceit. 6 Dramatis Personae The characters in our play Leonato’s House Leonato – Governor of Messina, Hero’s father, Beatrice’s uncle, and the host for the play’s events. Hero – Leonato’s only daughter, in love with Claudio and wrongfully accused of being unchaste. Beatrice – Leonato’s niece and Hero’s cousin. She is admired for her wit and intelligence. She is comically tricked into falling in love with Benedick. Margaret – Hero’s gentlewoman. The Military Don Pedro – Prince of Aragon and close friend of Benedick and Claudio. Don John – Don Pedro’s illegitimate brother. A villain who ostracizes himself. Borachio – a drunken follower of Don John. He plots against the marriage of Hero and Claudio. Benedick – a comic hero with a dazzling wit who has vowed never to marry. He is “tricked” into falling in love with Beatrice. Claudio – a young man and friend of Benedick. He quickly falls in love with Hero and becomes engaged to marry her. The Townsfolk Dogberry – a local constable who bring the truth to light despite his ignorance and comic blunders. Verges – Dogberry’s sidekick and deputy constable. Sexton – the local judge. Friar Francis – believes Hero is innocent, hatches the plot to clear her name and performs the marriage ceremony of Claudio and Hero. The Military Messina Don Pedro Leonato Friar Francis Love/Hate? Benedick Beatrice Don John r Dogberry e wo Claudio Love at first sight! Hero lloF tn rew Sexton a d o Borachio net lloF tA Margaret Verges 7 The WillPower Company 2014 James R. Alexander (Don Pedro) is ecstatic to be making his debut with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. His classical credits include King Henry in Henry IV Part I (Long Island Shakespeare Festival) and Caliban in The Tempest (Asylum Theater Company). He has also participated in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Open Stages Festival. Additional credits include Lt. Kaffee in A Few Good Men and Mikey in The Normal Heart. This one is for his lady. Follow him on Twitter @AlexanderinIMAX. Amy Crossman (Hero/Verges) is thrilled to be joining the WillPower Tour at PSF this fall! Recent credits include Roman Fever at the Midtown International Theatre Festival, King Lear at Theater2020, Julius Caesar at The Hudson Warehouse, and As You Like It at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Additionally, Amy works at the Atlantic Acting School and mentors young playwrights through the educational programs at the Manhattan Theatre Club. Training: Drew University, Upright Citizens Brigade, ESPA @ Primary Stages. Kenny Fedorko (Don John/Friar) NYC credits include Cymbeline (Cloten), Much Ado About Nothing (Dogberry) and BOX, Listen… and Shrewd with Improbable Stage Company, where he is a founding and active member. Regional tours: One Night (Will) and Four Hearts (Brian) with Equalogy Inc. and The Industrious Mr. Franklin (Ben Franklin). Kenny is the award recipient of the Paul Newman Trophy 2013 for Best Actor (Thom Pain) at Kenyon College. Paige Gober (Stage Manager) is thrilled to join PSF for WillPower! Paige is from Nashville, TN, and is a proud alumnus of Middle Tennessee State University. She has worked with the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, and Universal Orlando Resort. Earlier this year, she completed a stage management apprenticeship at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater where she was a Production Assistant on The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby Parts 1 & 2. She has also directed I Am My Own Wife at Carnegie Mellon University’s Playground X: A Festival of Independent Student Work. Laura Iris Hill (Dogberry/Margaret/Messenger) trained at BAPA in Australia and is thrilled to be returning to PSF after last year’s Macbeth. Other Shakespeare includes Cymbeline (Hudson Shakespeare), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth performed in Tokyo. New York theatre includes Cupid and Psyche (Turn to Flesh), Cosi and Speaking in Tongues. Laura was also a recurring guest over 2 years on long-running Aussie TV show Neighbours. 8 Company, continued Aaron Kirkpatrick (Benedick) is delighted to return to PSF after playing Lucio in Measure for Measure, 2013. Favorite previous roles include: Brick in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, directed by Marti Maraden, Tupolski in The Pillowman, Don Pedro in Much Ado for Kentucky Shakes. Aaron holds a MFA from Indiana University. Thank you to everyone that has made this production possible. Enjoy the show! Luke Massengill (Borachio) is overjoyed to be a part of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s WillPower Tour for the first time. Luke began his professional career in Rome, Italy, where he spent four years working as an actor and writer. Luke has spent that past five years touring with the Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s Shakespearience Tour, playing the roles of Mercutio, Puck, Iago, Sir Toby and Macbeth. Luke has also worked as an instructor for The School of Theater for the past six years. Hunter Ringsmith (Claudio/Sexton) is thrilled to be returning to PSF after appearing in Fiddler on the Roof this summer as Motel. Other Credits: Macbeth in Macbeth and Antonio u/s in Twelfth Night at Great River Shakespeare Festival; Dick/Peter Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at The Dallas Theatre Center; and Nels in I Remember Mama at Hope Summer Repertory Theatre. BFA: Southern Methodist University, where he performed in The Rimers of Eldritch, Othello, Mercury Fur, and This Beautiful City. Thanks to friends and family for their love and light! Antoinette Robinson (Beatrice) is delighted to be working with PSF for the first time. Recent credits include; New York Classical Theater: As You Like It; Queens Company: Sir Patient Fancy; Hyde Park Theater: The Mother with the Hat; Seattle Children's Theater: Edge of Peace; Guthrie Theater: Time Sensitive. Big love to Amanda, Andrea and her grandfather Isaac Robinson for their continuous support. MFA from the University of Texas at Austin. David Wayne (Leonato) Coriolanus, Coriolanus- The African Warrior; Octavius, Antony & Cleopatra (Harlem Shakes). Off Bway/NY: Octavius, Antony & Cleopatra (TWAS/Poets Den Theater); Jason of Tougou, Pecong (TWAS/Nat’l Black Theater- Audelco Award nom, Supporting Actor); Lem, The Emperor Jones (Irish Rep Theater); Laertes, Hamlet (TWAS/Wksp Theatre); Prince, Moon on a Rainbow Shawl (New Federal Theater); Messenger, Medea (TWAS/Nat’l Black Theater); Damian, his play Love and Marriage and New York City (Billie Holiday Theater, UK, Canada). Reg/Internat’l: Richard Foster in Toronto prod of his play, Ecstasy; Sebastian, The Tempest (NCSF); Friday, Robinson Crusoe (OST); Roderigo, Othello (VSF). “Face” of Xoom.com. NYC Council Award for Excellence in the Arts. 9 William Shakespeare: Who was this guy? Our knowledge of William Shakespeare’s life is pieced together from limited primary sources for information: his own works, various legal and church documents, and references to him, his plays, and his genius in third-party letters. Here’s what we do know: William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon on or about April 23, 1564. Records from Holy Trinity Church tell us he was baptized there on April 26, 1564. His father was John Shakespeare, a glove-maker, and his mother was Mary Arden, a land-owning heiress. William was the third of eight children, three of whom died in childhood. His father was fairly successful and was an alderman and a high-bailiff (mayor) of Stratford. It is assumed that he went to the free grammar school in Stratford, which was considered an excellent school. It seems certain that Shakespeare never went on to University. The next documented event is Shakespeare’s marriage to Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582. They had three children: a daughter, Susanna, and twins, Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet died at age 11. We lose track of Shakespeare for the next seven years. There are rumors that he was fond of poaching and had to flee Stratford after an incident with one of the gentry there. He began to make a name for himself in London by 1592, possibly earlier, as both an actor and a playwright. Unfortunately, the plague forced the closing of the theaters in 1592. By 1594 the plague had abated, and Shakespeare was acting, writing, and performing the duties of a managing partner for the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. This was a popular company, enjoyed by the commoners as well as royalty. It was around this time that Shakespeare and company made plans for the Globe Theater. The Globe was to be across the river from London, and was built around 1599. In total, Shakespeare wrote 37 plays that have survived (or 38, depending on the point of view of the particular scholar) and numerous sonnets and poems. April 23, 1616 is the day that marks Shakespeare’s death (the same as his birthday!) though we are uncertain of that date’s precision. We do know he was buried in Stratford, with services at the Holy Trinity Church on April 25, 1616. In his infamous will, he left his properties to his daughter Susanna, and to his wife his “second best bed.” 10