Shakespeare is meant to be watched, not read, right?

Shakespeare is meant to be watched, not read, right?

I had one of those moments today, where I was reminded of something my students tell me over and over again—Shakespeare was meant to be watched not read. I spent a few minutes this morning on Youtube (thank goodness for all of those Shakespeare lovers who posted the Oberon’s soliloquy. (I just used the key words Midsummer's night dream I know a bank). Okay, first I didn’t realize this scene could be sung as an aria. After eliminating those posts, as well as the ones with powerpoint and the Disney adaptation and the Shakespeare for early readers, I was left with these two. (yes, I’m aware if I had entered in the act and scene number, I could have found more, but it was six in the morning and I was lazy). 

1.    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eia_pWO1wYQ The 1953 adaptation. Puck acts a little too overenthusiastic for me.

2.     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm9Aq8cKwMY Some actor guy who posted this scene—complete with mountain scenery and props.

After watching these two clips, I realized that this soliloquy was part of the hatching of a plot—and the fun could be in reading the lines in a sinister manner or in a friendly, yet vengeful manner—Ludwig does mention that these lines can be delivered in a whisper and the usefulness of discussing the meaning of the words and how the piece, but I missed the purpose of the passage in the larger context of the play until I watched it being performed.

I think by helping Emery to see how Oberon delivers this speech as part of a prank on the fairy Titania he might actually enjoy it more.

Just to clarify, the actual project hasn’t started yet. I will have two weeks before I start teaching summer school and Emery goes off to the string of camps I’ve signed him up for this summer, so we will start next week. 

As a teacher, I find one of my favorite things to do it to plan—I love planning. In preparation, I went to the local library today and grabbed an armful of books. I did the same thing for one of my summer courses. Sigh, maybe my relationship with my son is built around my teaching him things.

Anybody else feel that way?