Introduction To Epic Theatre Lesson Plan for 11th Grade Example Students

Topic: Introduction to Epic Theatre

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to define and provide a basic overview of Epic Theatre.
• Students will be able to identify and analyze the key features of Epic Theatre, namely the use of alienation effect and political themes.

Materials

• Texts related to Epic Theatre (e.g. "L'Homme qui rit" by Victor Hugo, "The Seagull" by Anton Chekhov, "The Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller)
• Handouts and exercises related to key concepts and terms related to Epic Theatre (e.g. alienation effect, political themes)

Warm-up

• Begin the class by asking students to think about a recent performance they have seen or attended.
• Ask students to share their experiences and what they enjoyed or found interesting about the performance.
• As a class, discuss the different elements that make up a performance and how they contribute to the overall experience.
• Encourage students to think about the various elements of a performance in terms of the three stages of theatrical production (pre-production, production, post-production).
• As a class, brainstorm a list of elements that typically make up a performance (e.g. actors, props, setting, costumes, lighting, music, etc.).

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of Epic Theatre and its historical context.
• Explain that Epic Theatre is a type of theatre that emerged in the 20th century in response to the social and political struggles of the time.
• Discuss the key features of Epic Theatre, including the use of alienation effect and political themes.
• Provide examples of plays that exemplify these features.

Guided Practice

• Divide the class into small groups.
• Provide each group with a copy of a play that exemplifies the features of Epic Theatre.
• Have each group analyze the play, identifying its key themes and establish a connection to its historical context.

Students can present their findings to the class for discussion.

Independent Practice

• Assign a project where students choose a historical event or figure and write a short play about it in the Epic Theatre style.
• Have students present their plays to the class for discussion.

Closure

• Have students reflect on what they have learned about Epic Theatre and how it differs from other styles of theatre.
• Summarize the key concepts of Epic Theatre and its historical context.

Assessment

• Observe students during the group presentations and give feedback on their understanding of the key concepts of Epic Theatre and their ability to apply them to their chosen play.
• Evaluate the class presentation and group projects as a formative assessment, checking for understanding of the concept of Epic Theatre, critical analysis of the chosen play, and the use of key concepts in their presentation.
• Administer a quiz or written test at the end of the unit to assess students' knowledge of the concept of Epic Theatre and their understanding of the key concepts and their application to the plays studied.