EXAMPLE OF ACTIVE APPROACHES
The TempestKey Stage 3
RSC Education
Collective role: An ensemble approach to improvising around the text
Players are gathered in a corner of the classroom as a group. A table and chair, fabric and candles are set up to represent Prospero's cell. Pupils are asked to sit in front of the table. The teacher explains that s/he will take on the role of Prospero, wearing a cloak and carrying a magic stick, and that the players will collectively take on the role of Caliban. Any of them can speak to Prospero as if they are Caliban at any time: this is Caliban's chance to tell Prospero exactly what he thinks and feels.
The players are reminded about what has happened to Caliban in the play and the way that Prospero usurped his power on the island. Together they read the Caliban prompt sheet - see below. Discuss with them how Prospero has treated Caliban and the way that Caliban must now feel towards Prospero.
The teacher enters in role as Prospero and begins by speaking his lines below:
PROSPERO
A devil, a born devil, on whose nature
Nurture can never stick – on whom my pains,
Humanely taken, all, all lost, quite lost!
And as with age his body uglier grows,
So his mind cankers.
Through open questions and comments, the teacher provokes an in-role discussion of Prospero's treatment of Caliban, the use and abuse of power in their relationship and the implications of each character's actions for the other characters in the play.
Players then discuss the theme of usurpation in the context of the story.
CALIBAN'S PROMPT SHEET
Caliban is the son of a "foul witch" called Sycorax. She ruled the island until she died, after which Caliban saw himself as master of the island.
CALIBAN
This island's mine by Sycorax, my mother,
Which thou tak'st from me.
When Prospero and Miranda first arrived on the island, they treated Caliban kindly and in return he showed them all the secrets of the isle. However, all this changed when Caliban attempted to rape Miranda.
PROSPERO
I have used thee,
Filth as thou art, with human care, and lodged thee
In mine own cell, till thou didst seek to violate
The honour of my child.
As soon as Prospero and Miranda introduce us to Caliban, we are aware of the relationship they have with him. Prospero calls:
PROSPERO
What ho! Slave! Caliban!
Thou earth, thou! Speak!
Caliban tries to ignore his master's command. This behaviour further enrages Prospero.
PROSPERO
Thou poisonous slave, got by the devil himself
Upon thy wicked dam, come forth.
Caliban is unrepentant about his apparent violation of Miranda, saying that he was seeking to populate the island with his children. Miranda is outraged and tells Caliban that he deserves to stay a slave because he and all his type are evil. She claims to have taught Caliban to talk. Caliban sneers at this.
CALIBAN
You taught me language, and my profit on't
Is, I know how to curse. The red plague rid you
For learning me your language!
