Making Shakespeare Relevant to Gen Z Through Modern Learning
As Leaving Certificate students tackle their exams this year, the Gaiety School of Acting (GSA) is bringing Shakespeare’s King Lear to life in a way that resonates with today’s young learners. Now in its ninth season of Shakespeare in Schools, the GSA is meeting the challenge of making 400-year-old texts engaging and relevant for Gen Z by blending live theatre, digital resources, and interactive experiences.
This year’s production, which kicked off at Clasac in Clontarf, also tours Smock Alley in Dublin and The Dean Crowe in Athlone, reaching a record 11,000 students. Tailored specifically for young audiences, the programme includes a 90-minute live performance, free educational booklets, digital video resources, and cast Q&As—an approach that bridges classic literature and modern learning.
Rebecca Dolan, Shakespeare in Schools Coordinator and Head of Outreach at GSA, explains, “Students often find Shakespeare challenging; the language can feel unfamiliar, and the themes remote. But King Lear deals with timeless issues—family, power, and generational divides—that still resonate today. By condensing the play to 90 minutes and providing digital resources, we’re creating an experience that engages students in a way that fits with how they learn best.”
To support students’ exam preparation, the GSA provides introductory videos on key scenes and historical context, as well as video resources after the performance to review at their own pace. Feedback from teachers and students has been overwhelmingly positive. One teacher said, “It was abridged really well. Key scenes included and the play’s essence was maintained without compromising the main themes. Genuinely the best performance I’ve seen. Greatly helped by shortened focussed performance.” Another added, “The condensed 90 minute play was very appropriate for engaging students and managing their level of attention.”
One student commented, “King Lear was phenomenal, as well as Edgar. However I would like to praise all the actors and their incredible talents. I really enjoyed the sound effects, in particular the clicks after Kent/ Caius spoke. I found it was a lovely addition that I hadn’t stumbled upon before.”
A local highlight of the production is local actor Gavan O’Connor Duffy, who brings Gloucester to life on stage. Known for his role as a Viking in multiple series, but you don't need Netflix to catch him storming castles, most days you can find him storming around Dublin Castle. When he is not acting you can find him doing everyday things that an ordinary citizen would do, trips to the Lidl and Aldi are a staple to his day, or a wholesome session weight lifting in the local gym. No matter where you see this very tall, blond Dubliner he will greet you with a loud hello and a genuine smile.
With its innovative approach, the GSA’s Shakespeare in Schools programme is inspiring students, introducing them to classic theatre while making Shakespeare accessible, relevant, and engaging for the digital age.