Unit
2 - Theatre History Module
1: Understanding Historical Context Lesson
1 - Classical Theatre
Introduction: This lesson introduces the concepts behind the study of theatre
history and provides the opportunity to report and apply research.
Objectives:
- to listen to ideas of others
- to work cooperatively in groups of all sizes to plan and participate
in drama experiences
- to understand that theatre reflects the society that creates
it
- to identify elements of Classical theatre
This icon indicates
an advanced print resource you can refer to for more
in depth research information. It has been provided
courtesy of Dr. Moira Day, University of Saskatchewan,
Theatre Department.
Activities:
Warm
Up:
Stand
in a circle, in neutral position, relaxed. Stretch your
shoulders down and drop your jaw and point your tongue
to the floor. Say haaah. Scrunch shoulders to your ears,
tighten face with mouth pulled open wide and say heeeh.
Repeat several times to loosen up muscles and prepare
for vocal work (2 min.).
"Counting ... All Together Now" Stand
as a whole group, side by side, facing out towards an open area.
This works well on a stage, if not available just use a gym or
an open room. Take a deep breath and at the exact same time count
to ten in one breath. It may take several tries to find the right
speed and rhythm. All must stay together.
*
Then, try adding in a movement to the counting - such as a body
wave. Or, everyone stands with shoulders touching, then you must
move as one into a kneeling position, and back up to standing
- all while counting together. Or, let the students come up with
ways to move (5-10 min.).
Look
to the cave paintings for a story to tell to the class
in groups. Tell it through chorus and movement (10 min.).
Activities:
Assignment
One - Poster Assignment:
Read about the time of the Greeks and the beginning
of theatre. Use the information here, and other research
on the time to make a poster to display in the classroom.
Include any images related to Greek period they can
find. You may wish to research a list of the most famous
plays & playwrights. Or you may choose to research
Greek masks or amphitheater designs (various times,
minimum of 30 min.)
Find
information about Greek theatre
in the above link.
Assignment
2 -
Choral Reading Assignment:
Select a text from Greek times to read as
a group. Find a way to present it in an interesting
manner (i.e.: mask, levels, lights, in an
amphitheater, outside, add dance or movement,
use ritual, etc.) (30-40 min.).
The
institution of theater grew out of a celebration
of nature - all Greek theaters are sculpted
into the side of a hill and offer a spectacular
view so that the audience never forgets theater's
roots.
For
a really cool Virtual Reality Tour of this
Theatre of Dionysus go to: "Theatre
of Dionysus" (source: Metis: Quicktime
VR tour)
Where
did the Greeks build their theatres (choose
2)?
What
type of material(s) did the Greeks build their
theatres out of?
Journal:
Have students define the following terms:
* catharsis * satyr * protagonist * amphitheater * orchestra
* pathos * hubris * philosophy * Furies * irony * prologue
* deus ex machina * satire
