Women in Shakespeare Program

As the term comes to an end, so does our Women in Shakespeare program, which has run over the last couple of weeks. It has been an immeasurable experience to be a witness to these students, who have grown not only in their knowledge of Shakespeare, but in their contribution to the discussions and the link of the lives, struggles and strength of Shakespeare’s female characters to their own selves. 

I wish to thank Dr Stephen Kennaugh for the support in applying for this program and witnessing the need for students (both female and male alike) to have the opportunity to have a space where they can gain a deeper understanding of such an often seemingly cryptic language, the love of Shakespeare’s characters and where they can find the community to empower one another. I also wish to give a special thanks and appreciation to Mr Andrew Nisbet and Mrs Dineesha Senevirathne for their time for both the workshop with Bell Shakespeare and their expertise to each of the sessions run. 

The program wouldn’t have been possible without Bell Shakespeare, so a thank you to their team, to Shelley Casey and on our end to Melissa Welch for the organisational support of the Bell Shakespeare workshop to be the success it was. 

The last session included students making a mini play, including everything they’ve learnt within the program and even adding in some dialogue from the monologues we’ve studied. In turn, the mini play’s plot was a therapy session for each of Shakespeare’s protagonists. Their characters share their grievances with how Shakespeare saw their end but come to the conclusion of what audiences in today’s world are able to learn from their strengths. 

The students were very excited to see where this program can go and hope that they can explore more of Shakespeare’s female protagonists in the new year. They are also keen and have already thought of ways to see how this can link to the Shakespeare Carnival Competition and the different performances they can make. 

Ms Christina Rujicica 

Teacher of Drama and English