Screw Your Courage

Synopsis
Graduate documentary. Young African-Americans who’ve dropped out of high school try to get their lives back on track with an unusual project for their impoverished Oakland, CA neighbourhood. After spending their days doing hard labour at minimum wage, they transform into actors with a performance of Macbeth. The film follows the rehearsals, focusing in particular on the 21-year-old Yusuf and Khalesa. Yusuf (Macbeth) used to be a drug dealer but turned his life around for a safer future. Khalesa (Lady Macbeth) has two children from two different fathers and is trying to fulfill her dream.
Language
English
Country
United States
Medium
Video
Technical information
Colour / Sound
Year of release
2001
Duration
26 mins

Credits

Director
Zsuzanna Varga
Producer
Zsuzanna Varga
Cinematographer
Zsuzanna Varga
Music
Michael Turner (2)
Cast
Yusuf SalahuddinMacbeth
Khalesa HasanLady Macbeth
Charlie Marenghi 
Victoria Evans 
William Boynton 

Additional Details

Production type
Documentary/Educational/News
Plays
Macbeth
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); young offenders; Rehearsals; African-Americans

Notes

Notes
Varga received a master’s degree in journalism in 2000 at the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California at Berkeley. This is her thesis documentary.
General
The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival’s ten-week ‘Midnight Shakespeare’ programme teaches inner-city youth communication, performance, discipline, and teamwork through Shakespeare.
Awards
Winner Best Documentary Short, Atlanta Film & Video Festival, 2001.

Online Availability

Online URL
http://www.zsurlofilm.com/ScrewYourCourage

Distributor (Sale)

Name

National Film Network

Email
https://www.nationalfilmnetwork.com/Store/ContactUs.aspx
Web
http://www.nationalfilmnetwork.com External site opens in new window

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "Screw Your Courage". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av71767 (Accessed 26 Nov 2024)