Class IV Presents Much Ado About Nothing
by Jaya Goud ’27
One of the most exciting traditions in our community is the Class IV Shakespeare play. Each year, the performing arts department chooses a play that they feel best represents the class. In the first semester, our class studied this classic Shakespearean comedy in English classes, delving deep into the plot and story. Class IV then worked throughout the second semester on preparing and producing Much Ado About Nothing. The play is entirely student-led; live music, costumes, and set are all created by the class.
There were two adaptations of the play this year, a Renaissance and 1950’s version. The humorous, romantic play begins when Claudio and Benedick arrive in Messina. Claudio and Hero immediately find love and make plans for marriage. However, Benedick and Beatrice initially dislike each other and swear to never find love- much to the chagrin of their friends, who plot to get them together. Chaos ensues, and an incredibly comical play begins.
From a floating disco ball, 3D movie glasses, beautifully crafted Renaissance clothing, and a DJ, this year’s adaptations of Much Ado About Nothing immediately captured attention during the performances. The Renaissance play even earned a standing ovation from the Upper School! Mx. Kelsey, a Class IV English teacher, commented “I was in awe of the amazing work that Class IV put into both productions! Every detail–from costumes to the construction of the set and some magnificently goofy music for the entrance of the watch–showcased students’ consideration for the play and what it would mean to bring it to life.” They also referred to the play as “a great gift to the [Winsor] community.”
The Class IV Shakespeare play is a beloved tradition in the Winsor community, and eagerly looked forward to every year. As a capstone to our Lower School experience, our class got to both work together and have fun producing this play. Carmel Harrison ’27 shared that “it was a great opportunity to bring our characters to life and try out different roles we wouldn’t normally go for.” Naima Schopf-Malone ’27 noted that “It really helped us come together as a community and we all worked together to make something we were really proud of!” Though not all of us have had previous theater experience, we were able to laugh at ourselves and have a good time. After our performance, we had a celebration, and I heard many of my classmates express their sadness that our final grade-wide project had ended. I know our Shakespeare play will be a fond memory for our entire class as we transition into high school, and a fantastic finale to our Lower School experience.
