Bringing Shakespeare to Life: A Middle School Banquet with Macbeth

Every year, Mrs. McKee’s English class takes a unique approach to Act III, Scene IV of Macbeth—the infamous banquet scene. To truly immerse students in the drama and significance of the scene, Mrs. McKee transforms the classroom into a full-fledged banquet!

This year, Mr. Ntheketha, who has an undergraduate degree in Speech & Theatre from St. Lawrence University, joined the class to portray Macbeth. Mrs. McKee took on the role of Lady Macbeth, while students donned attire to become nobles attending the event. Some also delivered lines, adding another layer of engagement.

This interactive experience wasn’t just about fun and theatrics. By participating in the banquet, students gained a deeper understanding of the scene’s importance within the play. They witnessed the tension and descent into madness firsthand, making Shakespeare’s language “come alive” in a way that traditional classroom learning might not achieve.