Shakespeare High 2011
Distributed by Cinema Guild, 115 West 30th Street, Suite 800, New York, NY 10001; 212-685-6242
Produced by Ifavor Entertainment, Trigger Street Productions
Directed by Alex Rotaru
DVD, color, 81 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
Biography, Careers, Dance, Drama, Multicultural Studies, Popular Culture, Storytelling, Theater
Date Entered: 05/24/2012
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Dean of Library Services, Valparaiso UniversityThis film follows a group of diverse high school students in southern California as they practice and prepare for the 90th Drama Teachers Association of Southern California (DTASC) Shakespeare Festival. Many of the actors are underprivileged youth, who have put much of their hopes and dreams for recognition and success on their performance at this festival. Their lives and biographies are interwoven into the documentary, each with a unique story and background. For instance, two twin brothers live with their aunt and uncle after their father murdered their mother following a divorce; two young men are former gang members; one young woman lives with her family well below the poverty line in the desert. Interviews and commentary with well-known actors such as Richard Dreyfuss, Val Kilmer, and Kevin Spacey are included as well, related to their participation in the DTASC program. A film to which many youth will relate and understand.