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Contemporary Theatre

Watching and Responding to Character Relationships in a Play (Part 2 of 2)

Lesson 2: Watching and Responding to Character Relationships in a Play (Part 2 of 2)

Length: 75 min.

Objective:Students will demonstrate an understanding of the interconnectedness of story and character relationships by responding physically, verbally, and through writing to a filmed performance of a modern play.

Levels of Understanding:

interpret, perspective

National Standards:

TH:Pr4.1.I.a. Examine how character relationships assist in telling the story of a drama/theatre work.

TH:Re7.1.I.a. Respond to what is seen, felt, and heard in a drama/theatre work to develop criteria for artistic choices.

Materials Needed:

  • A copy of the desired film (see options listed in hook for lesson one)
  • Means of showing desired film
  • A copy of the Play Report Form for each student

Hook (3 min):

Have the students reassemble last class’s final tableau. Explain that today, we will continue to watch the play, and readjust the tableau at the end. An additional exercise may be to have the students compare how the characters and their relationships have transformed throughout the play by exploring multiple tableaus.

Step One: (50-70 min):

Have the students pull out their Play Report forms. Finish watching the movie. As they watch the movie, they will fill out the form.

Step Two: (5-17 min)

Create one last tableau. If there is time remaining, have the students discuss with each other what they wrote on their forms. Are there differences in opinion? Whose opinion is ‘right’? What clues help us discern character motives and relationships? How can we give our audiences those clues? If there is not time for this discussion, it can be done next class, taking away some of the students’ in-class rehearsal and research time.

Step Three:

Have the students turn in their Play Report Forms before leaving.