The Hobart Shakespeareans

The Hobart Shakespeareans is a heart-touching and inspiring 2005 documentary that portrays the extraordinary work of Rafe Esquith, a fifth-grade teacher in an urban, immigrant-filled public school of Los Angeles. The film uncovers the remarkable, almost unbelievable story of a group of eager and dedicated students at Hobart Boulevard Elementary School, showcasing the transformative power of education and the magic of Shakespeare's words.

Mr. Esquith, the primary focus of the film, is not your ordinary teacher. His passionate, energetic, and accessible approach to teaching transforms this ordinary public school into an extraordinary educational experience. Under Esquith's tireless guidance, his students, who are primarily Latino and Asian kids from immigrant families, exhibit an uncanny understanding of complex, classic literary works, and they display emotional maturity and intellectual competence far beyond their years.

The film takes viewers behind classroom doors and into the world of the Hobart Boulevard Elementary School's special program. Mr. Esquith's fifth-grade students, known as "The Hobart Shakespeareans," undertake an unusual academic challenge: mastering and performing a Shakespearean play. The students, many of whom only just learned English, grapple and eventually triumph with the language and themes of such complex works as Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear, superbly handling the intricate language and profound themes. The documentary brilliantly captures their journey—from initial readings and rehearsals to their astonishing accomplishment—full-fledged performances, with all their drama and comedy.

One of the most charming scenes of the documentary is when the eminent actor and expert on Shakespeare, Sir Ian McKellen, visits the class. He spends time with the students, discussing the intricacies of Shakespeare's work and their future performance. It's an encounter that underscores the extraordinary opportunity Esquith provides for his students – an opportunity that transcends the boundaries of their elementary classroom and helps spark their broader interest in art, creativity and advanced study.

The film also walks us through the daily rituals and principles that Esquith has established in his classroom, which serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering dedication to his students. Beyond the standard curriculum, Esquith teaches his students life lessons: how to live with integrity, kindness, and high expectations. These elements, which form the backbone of Esquith's teaching methodology, resonates throughout the documentary, manifesting in the personal and academic growth of his students.

Esquith's exceptional commitment to his students and his exciting pedagogical approach has earned him numerous awards and recognitions and caught the attention of renowned actor Michael York, who contributes to the film. York provides a thorough and heartfelt overview of Esquith's work, spotlighting the profound difference a determined teacher can make.

The Hobart Shakespeareans is as much about Esquith's exceptional teaching prowess as it is about his students. The film embodies the philosophy that every child, irrespective of cultural, social or economic background, holds an astonishing potential for academic and personal growth when given the right guidance, encouragement and opportunity. It is a powerful case for educational equity and the transformative value of innovative teaching. It reminds us of the unmatchable value of a great teacher, serving as a powerful tribute to all educators who give selflessly for the betterment of their students.

The documentary is directed by Mel Stuart, known for his other notable documentaries. It's an intimate portrait of a classroom where cultural and social boundaries are blurred, where Shakespeare manages to captivate young minds, and ultimately, where lives are changed in significant and enduring ways. Its beauty lies not just in its story, but its presentation—through tender, honest and thoughtful storytelling, Stuart skilfully weaves a tapestry of trials, triumphs, and the sheer joy of learning.

The Hobart Shakespeareans is more than just a document of a remarkable classroom. It is an uplifting portrait of hope, dedication, and the transformative power of education. It is a testament to the value of hard work, discipline, and resilience and a tribute to a teachers’ dogged determination can effects change in the lives of the students. The movie is a must-watch for educators, students, and anyone fascinated by the enduring influence of a great teacher and the timeless relevance of the Bard of Avon, William Shakespeare.