Evaluating stagecraft - contemporary interpretations
In this lesson, we will explore a contemporary interpretation of a Shakespeare text, looking at how the actors use their skills and adapt the language to create comedy.
Evaluating stagecraft - contemporary interpretations
In this lesson, we will explore a contemporary interpretation of a Shakespeare text, looking at how the actors use their skills and adapt the language to create comedy.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- In this lesson, students will watch a short extract from a theatre production and consider the use of design skills, learning about the theatre makers' aims and intentions and how designers respond to these. It offers students the chance to make original responses to a play, using analysis effectively to consider its various elements.
Content guidance
- Physical activity required.
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended.
Licence
This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.
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5 Questions
Q1.
What is the term for movements an actor does with their hands?
Gait
Posture
Q2.
What does an 'in the round' stage mean?
The audience sit on two sides of the stage.
The stage revolves in a circle.
Q3.
Who wrote A Midsummer Night's Dream?
Ben Johnson
Christopher Marlowe
Q4.
What is 'direct audience address'?
Directly walking into the audience.
When the audience give their addresses when booking tickets.
Q5.
What genre of play is A Midsummer Night's Dream?
History play
Tragedy
5 Questions
Q1.
What is an interpretation?
A set, fixed view of something.
Q2.
Why is context important in a play?
It makes the play more interesting.
Q3.
The extract we watched put Shakespearean language and modern technology side by side, what do we call this?
A joke.
Context.
Q4.
What does ad-libbing mean?
Changing your voice to suit your emotions.
Interacting with the audience.
Q5.
What was the effect of using a phone as a prop in the extract we watched?
It created additional tension.
It was designed to shock the audience.