Rapping with Shakespeare

Synopsis: Musical/Documentary. "RAPPING WITH SHAKESPEARE is a modern day hip-hop version of Shakespeare’s tales that explores the lives of five South Central Los Angeles teenagers attending Crenshaw High School. The students’ personal stories subtly parallel Shakespeare’s archetypal characters... a colorful, compelling and dramatic tale of the young people of Crenshaw High School as they struggle to achieve their dreams while coping with the universal teenage problems of violence, sexual relationships, insecurity, loneliness and embattled, mercurial identity... also examines how a popular English teacher, Andy Molnar uses the students’ popular culture, hip-hop/rap to access Shakespeare. He teaches how the lyrics are put together poetically and how it involves urban themes to form cultural and social identities - themes that inspire and provide a bridge for students to learn classical literature". Interviews conducted by Charisse Reneau. [Synopsis taken from the film’s website].
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Film
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Year of release: 2008
Availability: No distributor known (10/2009)
Notes: Trailer and available at the official website (accessed 10/2009).
Subjects: Drama; Education; Music
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Rap music; Hip Hop; School productions; Teen movie

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