To help our year 10 English learners gain a broader understanding of Macbeth, we invited leading author and lecturer Daniel Rosenthal to deliver a masterclass exploring the on-screen recreations of Shakespeare’s works. This masterclass supported our learners with GCSE AQA English Literature Paper 1, Section A. 
 
Daniel has lectured on Shakespeare and film since 2001 as well as publishing influential books exploring the different ways productions have translated the iconic works of Shakespeare onto to the screen.  
 
With such an interesting expertise within the study of Shakespeare, Daniel was able to help our learners explore and cultivate alternative interpretation and different perspectives towards Macbeth. Throughout the masterclass, learners discussed the different forms of Macbeth (e.g. stage, screen and text) and how this affects how the story is told. Learners also watched and discussed clips from differing on-screen adaptations, focusing on key elements such as staging, plot and character portrayal. As each adaptation explored during the session was an alternative interpretation of Macbeth, learners were led by our visitor through many new and exciting ways of approaching this play. 
 
Reflecting on the impact of exploring Shakespeare in this way, teacher of English Aminul shared: “Daniel is a truly exceptional professor who is an expert on Macbeth. He stretched and challenged the views and perspectives of our learners as they reconsidered their understanding of themes, key characters, staging and many other elements of the text.” 
 
As well as kindly offering his time to inspire and spark ideas in our learners, Daniel also donated signed copies of his books to the college library should our learners wish to delve further into what was explored during this session. 
 
“The class were a very engaged and responsive audience. I hope the session has provided useful food for thought as they continue to study Macbeth.” Daniel Rosenthal.