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Drama: The Stage and the Body (Elective)

“Thinking cannot be clear till it has had expression. We must write, or speak, or act our thoughts, or they will remain in a half torpid form. Our feelings must have expression, or they will be as clouds, which, till they descend as rain, will never bring up fruit or flower. So it is with the inward feelings; expression gives them development.” Henry Ward Beecher

OVERVIEW

This unit aims to provide varied opportunities for students to perform and create dramatic works. Students will be introduced to basic elements of performance art and closely focus on the origins of live theatre. The emphasis in this unit is on developing communication skills and confidence, especially through theatre sports and short skits. Through the process of scripting, rehearsing and performing larger pieces of live theatre, students will develop the ability to communicate their ideas, values and express their personal spiritual journeys, as well as discuss the importance of story-telling and honouring God through acting and writing. Written reflections on their own work and on the performances of others are also a part of this unit of study.

SUBJECT LENGTH

  • 5 periods per cycle for Semester 2

 TOPICS INCLUDE

  • Theatre Sports
  • Comedy: The study of how body language affects humour.  An investigation of mime, clowning, Commedia Dell’arte and stage combat
  • Greek Theatre: The use of ONLY the body to convey emotion and character

PREREQUISITES

  • Booklist Items

ASSESSMENT

  • Live performance (50%)
  • Theatre style research and written work (25%)
  • In-class participation and rehearsal (25%)

“No-one ever spoke the way this man does.” John 7:4