This collection of historical and contemporary scenes offers drama
teachers a wide range of topics through an exploration of vividly drawn
texts.
The opening pantomime dialogue contrasts with such serious issues as
cholera and plastic pollution. These scenes give the drama studio a
credible opportunity to develop partnerships with other departments
within a school environment.
Historical scenes provide opportunities for cross-curricular activities
in both History and English. For instance, scenes of the horror of the
Great War will heighten perceptions of the wartime narrative.
Seven of the scenes are inspired by Shakespeare's plays and will help
the actor to develop their understanding of the original texts and the
era in which the plays were written. The contemporary scenes confront
issues relevant to young people growing up in an ever-changing world and
explore such themes as ecological destruction, the refugee crisis and
intergenerational conflict.
As the words of the text are brought to life, the actor should seek to
find links to a given set of circumstances. Each scene is directly
linked to the human situation. The actor's mantra should be, "I will
live the words I learn."