‘Students perform adaptations of Shakespeare on West Chester stage’

Chester County students are gearing up to showcase their interpretations of Shakespearean classics at the upcoming Chester County Shakespeare Festival. The event is set to take place on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre in West Chester, and will be open to the public free of charge.

This festival serves as a platform for students to perform their own creative versions of classic Shakespearean stories, staying true to the main themes of the original plays. In addition to the student performances, attendees will be treated to insights about Shakespeare, his works, and his life in Elizabethan England by a Master of Revelry, portrayed by a professional actor.

According to Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator for the Chester County Intermediate Unit, participating in the Shakespeare Festival goes beyond creative expression. It offers an opportunity to cultivate literary appreciation, cultural understanding, critical thinking, and camaraderie among student participants.

The annual Chester County Shakespeare Festival brings together more than 300 talented students from elementary, middle, and high schools across the county. Each participating school will have 20 minutes to showcase their adaptation of a Shakespearean play. While the event is not a competition, individual and group awards will be presented to recognize outstanding contributions to the stage.

To learn more about the Chester County Shakespeare Festival and how to get involved, please visit the official website at www.cciu.org/shakespeare.