What do you get when a class of grade 10’s create a parody of Romeo and Juliet? Well, you get an entertaining play full of brainrot. In this project we read, watched and analyzed Romeo and Juliet. Then we created our very own version! This project was one of my favourites. We were able to have creative freedom when making the storyline which made it interesting to create. We focused on using parody to showcase Romeo and Juliet to a modern audience. 

In order to make our own version of Romeo and Juliet we had to gain an understanding of the original. I knew the basic storyline, but I had never read it before, so I enjoyed reading the play. In this part of the project we analyzed Shakespeare’s text a lot. Through analyzing the text I was able to understand what he was saying.   Shakespeare wrote very differently so at times it was challenging to decipher what the original text was saying. Using context clues or talking out loud were helpful strategies I used to understand the original text. We also watched different adaptations of the play. While watching these we were able to gain inspiration of how we could adapt our own play.

 Once we understood Romeo and Juliet, we were able to create our own. We found ways to relate the ideas of the original into modern day equivalents. As a class we decided on the main plot points. Then we broke into smaller groups where we were able to focus on an act. This was the fun part. As a group we created our act and thought of what cliches and conventions we would use. This is were we got to be creative. I wrote the script with one of my group members. Very quickly we found it was challenging to go from the original Shakespeare text, into a fully modern version with lots of humor. Working with my group member we split up the tasks. I wrote the essentials of what needed to be in each act. Then she was able to fill in the blanks and add humour to make it funny. Our group worked really well together by using each others strengths. 

In this project I took the role of co-DRI this meant I was the co- leader of the group . Much like a director. As the co-DRI I took on lots of responsibility within our group and the class. I encouraged my group mates to peruse a larger role within the play and do their best. Everyone contributed well and did their part. I also saw there was a lack of continuity in the play regarding plot and costumes. A classmate and myself decided to have a meeting with all the DRI’s to ensure everything had continuity. I really learned the importance of communication in this step. It is so important to communicate not only within your own group, but within the whole class. Once we added the communication between groups it made performing the play much less stressful. 

We presented our work to an audience. In the theatre at our school we showed them our adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Where the Romeo and Juliet are from opposing schools and are afraid they will not be able date because of the beef. It was quite extraordinary if I must say. It was so amazing to see all our hard work pay off. The best feeling is having an audience full of people laugh at a line you wrote. I was so glad that our group was able to effectively create a parody of Romeo and Juliet. I gained so much from this and I had so much fun doing this project.  

Syddy giddy out!