Shakespeare in Styria

Abstract

This paper offers a professional theatre practitioner’s reflections on directing learners between ages of 16 and 21, and whose first language is not English, in a production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in Murau, Austria, in July 2011. Drawing on links between the theatrical rehearsal and production process and John Biggs’ 3P learning model the author argues in support of performative approaches to L2 study. Suggesting that Shakespeare’s dramaturgy provides uniquely rich and varied pedagogical resources for the L2 learner, the paper presents a case for the use of theatrical performance by students as an element of ESL study.