Schools
Internationally Renowned Shakespearean Actor Comes to Farmingdale High School
Farmingdale Students Learn Shakespeare from Ben Crystal and Co
Tenth-grade students at Farmingdale High School recently watched Ben Crystal and company perform scenes from William Shakespeare's “Macbeth.” “Macbeth” is part of Farmingdale High School’s sophomore literature curriculum. Learning Shakespeare from one of Britain’s most celebrated Shakespearean actors helped bring the text to life and inspired students to appreciate Shakespeare's work and genius. Following the performance, Ben Crystal hosted an instructional workshop with faculty members on developing an appreciation for Shakespeare.
Ben Crystal is a world-renowned actor, writer, and producer, and he was traveling to the U.S. from England for limited engagements. He was the co-writer of “Shakespeare’s Words” and “The Shakespeare Miscellany” with his father David Crystal, and his first solo book, “Shakespeare on Toast – Getting a Taste for the Bard” was shortlisted for the 2010 Educational Writer of the Year Award. In 2011 he performed the title role in the world contemporary premier of Hamlet in Original Pronunciation, and in 2012 he was the curator and creative director on a CD of Shakespeare in Original Pronunciation for the British Library. He is the artistic director of “Passion in Practice” and its Shakespeare Ensemble. Together they have performed staged readings of “Macbeth,” “Henry V,” and “Dr. Faustus” at the Wanamaker Playhouse and Shakespeare’s Globe in London.
This event was part of the Farmingdale School District’s mission to enrich students and enhance instruction through the arts with a variety of innovative programs and partnerships.
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Photo 1 (1269): (L-R) Farmingdale High School teachers practice reading Shakespeare with world-renowned Shakespearian actor, writer, and producer, Ben Crystal (far right). Crystal was hosting an instructional workshop for teachers following a performance for the sophomore class to help bring the text to life. His performance and the workshop was part of a Farmingdale School District initiative to enrich students and enhance instruction through the arts.
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