Directed by Alex Rotaru
Shakespeare High is an uplifting documentary that follows a diverse group of Californian high school students as they prepare for and compete in the 90th Drama Teachers Association of Southern California Shakespeare Festival. Through their passion and working together toward a common goal that reflects and transcends their ethnic and socioeconomic divides, the dedicated teens manage to overcome their own personal hurdles and history.
The film focuses primarily on under-privileged teens and highlights the life-changing effects drama programs such this can have on young people. The film follows a compelling group of teens with moving and dramatic personal stories, including: Tosh, African-American, a sophomore; Luis, Latino, a sophomore; and Chris, Latino, a senior - all three former gang members from East LA's Pacoima Valley. Nicole comes from a struggling family living in Hesperia, an isolated, low-income desert community. Tommy was raised by his single mother in Hesperia after his parents - former skin-heads - separated. Galvin and Melvin are African-American twin brothers who witnessed a violent family act.
The teen's stories are interspersed with commentary from alumni of the DTASC program including Kevin Spacey, Val Kilmer, and Richard Dreyfus discussing and teaching students hands-on the magic of drama and Shakespeare. Shakespeare High is a riveting celebration of performance education, creativity and youth.
Reviews
~ "Inspiring. Performing Shakespeare can save children's lives. That is the persuasive argument of Shakespeare High." - Stephen Holden, The New York Times
~ "Engagingˇ enormously inspiring." - LA Times
~ "This film is a must-see for all English teachers as it shows how students can transform their lives when they become involved in programs like the one featured in Shakespeare High ". - National Council of Teachers of English
Award
~ Top 5 Audience Award, Palm Spring Film Festival, 2011
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