Digital Dummies

I don’t mean kids that don’t know anything about computer games; I mean those who do. Add up all the time at the gaming console, and perhaps you have winkled out some tactics from a 9-year old in Singapore, currently kicking your ass in Nerd-World. WOW! Other kids may be reading books, performing in plays, competing in all sorts of sports, enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, fishing and camping, or just debating anything that comes to their minds. They do not live in imaginary, AI screens. They create their own play.

I don’t play video games, can’t stand the idea of being addicted to such non-productive FANTASY, and aside from long-past, very occasional, strolls to the donut shop for Mario Brothers and a sprinkled donut, with a toddler, that is all I have played. I spent my time performing, teaching, fixing Shakespeare, fixing roofs, camping, fishing, driving to basketball games, making lunches, building this website and raising kids. I loathe even the idea of video games wasting my time. Sue me.

That is the WHY of Shakespeare Out Loud. The skills, all of Shakespeare’s characters exhibit, the ability to create the necessary language, for specific, complicated, human interactions, is not open to them. They have not practiced orally inventing language. Almost all of Shakespeare is meant to be invented, not recited thought, especially the monologues. Well, here is a whole website to practice. You can be a dumb video-soldier, or a smart audio-leader. I know I repeat myself, but it comes down to practice and play.

I finally shot Mercutio’s Queen Mab yesterday, which I had worked on, almost daily, for 6 weeks. At 4:25 it is one of Shakespeare’s longest speeches. It is also astonishing inventive. Learning it all, perfectly, as a character, was not easy, and I had no idea where I was headed, how I could make it work. I dug out the ring amongst my props, and away I went; weeks of refining thoughts, weeks of practicing. I’m 75; you try it!

The students don’t need to learn great swaths of Shakespeare, even small parts done well are of value. It is crucial that they learn that practice CAN improve their performances, and indeed their confidence. Why not practice the words and ideas of our most brilliant humanist? To lead in any profession, one needs to communicate! I made Queen Mab with practice. What can you make?

Put down the video-wand and PRACTICE some useful, nay crucial, survival skills!