DramaCast is a free study aid for second level students featuring key scenes from exam texts Philadelphia, Here I Come, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth with additional commentary from teacher Michael Kelly and director Iarla McGowan.
DramaCast available to watch on demand here.
Here’s a sample of some of the feedback the project has received from teachers and students:
“DramaCast is just what students and teachers need: the ways key scenes in these plays are presented make the characters and ideas real in a way that no classroom can truly do. They bring us into the worlds of these stories. They allow access to professional performances for those who find this difficult, or for whom performances are not readily available. Michael Kelly’s commentaries are clear, and focus on what students need, and the performances then back these up: a good example is the analysis and acting of maybe the key scene in Macbeth, Act I scene vii. It is also really helpful to have a theatre company based in Donegal perform scenes of a play in which Donegal itself is vital, indeed almost a character. Overall, this is a terrific resource.” Julian Girdham, St Columba’s
“I found it very helpful. The overview before watching the scene allowed me to have a better understanding of the scene and better insight into how the characters felt.” Kate O’Connor, Loreto Letterkenny
“I also found it very useful. It helped me understand the characters and their feelings a lot and what quotes are important to learn for exam questions.” Maria Kealy, Loreto Letterkenny
“I like the portrayal of Doogan. This enactment of ‘Philadelphia Here I Come’ showed Doogan’s lack of regard and dismissal of Gar very well. ‘Hello Gar you’re a stranger’ – Doogan doesn’t call Gar ‘Gar’ instead of ‘Gareth’ even though he is his daughter’s boyfriend. I also like how Gar was portrayed, the anxiety and apprehension he feels when in the presence of Doogan was done perfectly” Ellen O’Connell, Loreto Letterkenny
“This scene from ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come’ was really beneficial. I thought the actors portrayed their parts really well, especially Gar private and Gar public, being able to see two different actors portray one person was really impactful as it made Gar easier to understand. I think this will really help in regards to exams and when it comes to revising for the leaving cert.” Alanna Shiel, Loreto Letterkenny
