2506- SHIFT Episode 3 “Identity”
Episode 3 of ‘SHIFT’ offer a wealth of resources for the secondary English classroom. 2506, in particular, uses an innovative approach to storytelling with its integrated hip hop and soulful music to add drama and tension to this entertaining narrative. The two activities I have created for high school classrooms have strong links with both narrative and drama studies.
I found the condensed form of this “hip-hopera” an excellent vehicle to highlight the conflict within the narrative. The story and characters of 2506 resonated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: Boo and Jake are modern ‘star-crossed’ lovers and there is a real sense of tragedy in the consequences of Jake’s fateful decisions.
While in the world of Shakespeare, my mind turned to the inner conflict of both Boo and Jake, the protagonists of 2506, and some of Macbeth’s soliloquies emerged, particularly when Macbeth questions his motivation for killing Duncan and the ensuing metaphysical consequences for his conscience.
As a result, both the activities I have created for this resource could be easily tied into a Stage 4/5 unit on Shakespearean drama. The possibilities for this narrative and the podcast ‘SHIFT’, however, are far more diverse than Shakespeare. So many of these stories and segments could be beautifully incorporated into any unit on conflict, character, growing up, relationships, creative writing, poetry…the list goes on!
These segments also make excellent stand-alone lessons due to their length and quality, and are a great way to support our students’ listening skills.
Jamie Borg
“Jake is torn between his feelings for Boo and the pressure to be one of the boys. Boo also experiences inner conflict: she loves Jake but also wants to move on with her life and doesn’t know how long she can wait for him. ”
