Every winter, the Upper School students of the Episcopal School of Dallas showcase their artistic writing, acting, and film editing skills in honor of Shakespeare Week. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the event during which English classes foster discussions about the famous Bard of Avon’s themes and character development, as well as writing style, while film students busy themselves with creating modern-day versions of Much Ado About Nothing.

“Shakespeare week offers students the opportunity to work collaboratively or independently to showcase their creativity as they confront the question of Shakespeare’s relevance in contemporary society,” Jennifer Meyers, Chair of ESD’s English Department, said. “The clear message we see from the meaningful projects ESD students generate is just how Shakespeare lends to the timeless themes of love, loyalty, revenge, jealousy, betrayal, redemption, and particularly self-reflection as these are the issues our students themselves encounter.”

This year’s film contest featured more than a dozen works from student actors, screenwriters, cinematographers, producers, and editors.

“Shakespeare Week is so much fun for the students because he hits right on the issues in relationships,” Suzette Carona, ESD’s Film Studies teacher, said. “Those problems have not changed over the years. The kids love bringing him to life in film, art, music, and drama.”

Shakespeare Week started in 1982 when a group of English teachers gathered the ESD community together for a public reading of Macbeth. Since then, the celebration has evolved to include artistic renderings, dramatic and humorous soliloquies, social media websites, and baking demonstrations from the Shakespearian era.