Greek Drama: Write, Act, Conquer!

All grades Project 6 weeks

Greek Drama: Write, Act, Conquer!

Virginia B

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.7

Effective Communication

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Collaboration

Content Expertise

+ 1 more

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Purpose

This project invites students to immerse themselves in the world of Greek tragedies by writing and performing their own scripts, fostering creativity and dramatic skills. By collaborating with local artists and utilizing multimedia, students will not only analyze classical themes but also bring them to life through innovative expression. The process is designed to emphasize communication, collaboration, and reflection, ultimately encouraging students to connect with and contribute to their community through a public performance.

Learning goals

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Greek tragedies by exploring and analyzing famous works, identifying key themes, character archetypes, and dramatic structures. They will develop effective communication skills by collaborating with peers and local artists to design and stage their own multimedia Greek tragedy, honing their abilities in scriptwriting, performance, and dramatic expression. Through immersive activities and reflective practices, students will engage in self-directed learning, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills while applying constructive feedback to refine their performances.

Standards

[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.7 - Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating how each version interprets the source text. (Include at least one play by Shakespeare and one play by an American dramatist.)

Competencies

Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.

Products

Over the course of the project, students will develop and stage their own multimedia Greek tragedy productions. Using a combination of visual arts, dramatic performance, and digital media, each student group will create unique scripts and performances that showcase their understanding of Greek themes and theatrical techniques. Collaborating with local artists, students will integrate professional insights to enhance their presentations and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft. Ultimately, the productions will be showcased in a community event at Cygnet Theater, demonstrating their ability to translate complex narratives into impactful performances.

Launch

The project will kick off with an exciting 'Drama Dabble Day' where students dive into the world of Greek tragedies. Professional actors will engage the students in dynamic workshops, guiding them through the intricacies of script writing and performance techniques, focusing on elements of tension and dramatic expression essential to the genre. This immersive experience will set the stage for students as they begin to conceptualize and create their own tragedies, fostering creativity and teamwork from day one.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their multimedia Greek tragedies at Cygnet Theater, engaging the community in a fully staged performance. Following the performance, a 'Tragedy Talkback' event will be held where students lead small group discussions with the audience, presenting insights into their creative choices and responding to professional feedback. This exhibition allows students to articulate their learning journey, demonstrating the transformation of written scripts into dynamic performances.

Learning Journey

Empathize

Students will engage in empathy-building activities with local theater actors, families, and peers to uncover insights about Greek tragedies, fostering understanding that will guide their creative process and collaboration throughout the project.

Days 1 - 5