11th Grade Theatre Of Cruelty Lesson Plan Example (Drama)

Topic: Theatre of Cruelty

Objectives & Outcomes:

• Students will be able to define the term "Theatre of Cruelty" and identify historical trends and examples of this style of theatre.
• Students will be able to identify and apply avant-garde theatrical techniques to create a shocking and intense performance.

Materials

• Copies of "Theatre of Cruelty and the Avant-Garde" for each student
• Short plays or scenes that exemplify avant-garde theatrical techniques
• A space large enough for group improv sessions (optional)

Warm-up

• Begin the lesson by asking students to share any prior knowledge they have about avant-garde theatre.
• Ask students to share any examples of shocking or intense performances or plays that they have seen in the past.
• As a class, brainstorm a list of avant-garde theatrical techniques and their potential uses in a performance.

Direct Instruction

• Explain the concept of the "Theatre of Cruelty," and provide examples of plays that exemplify this style of theatre, such as Antonin Artaud's "Theatre of Cruelty" or Peter Handke's "Kaspar."
• Discuss the potential uses of avant-garde theatrical techniques in a performance, such as using shock or intensity to evoke an emotional response from the audience.
• Demonstrate some avant-garde theatrical techniques, such as improvisation or non-linear storytelling, with the help of a partner.

Guided Practice

• Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific avant-garde theatrical technique to experiment with.
• Have each group create a short scene or performance using their assigned technique, and then have them present their work to the class.
• Have students discuss the emotional response they were trying to elicit with their use of the avant-garde technique, and have a class discussion about the effectiveness of the technique.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose one of the avant-garde theatrical techniques they explored in the guided practice and create a performance using that technique.
• Have students present their performance to the class and explain the emotional response they were trying to elicit with their use of the avant-garde technique.
• Have students submit a written explanation of their performance to the teacher and also create a video recording of their performance.

Closure

• Review the avant-garde theatrical techniques that were explored in the activity.
• Ask students to reflect on the emotional responses they elicited with their performances and explain the purpose and meaning behind their use of the avant-garde techniques.
• Ask students to share any insights or observations they had while experimenting with the avant-garde theatrical techniques.

Assessment

• Observe students during the independent practice activity and take note of their use of avant-garde techniques and their emotional impact on the audience.
• Evaluate students' written reflections on the purpose and meaning behind their use of avant-garde techniques.
• Organize a group presentation where students present their completed avant-garde theatrical pieces to the class.