Topic title: Greek Theatre

Year group: 8

When taught: January – March/April

What are we learning?

We are building on performance skills from the study of the script ‘Our Day Out’ and applying these skills, developing understanding of Greek theatre and how this has impacted and influenced theatre today. We explore the wonderful myths and legends with a focus on the main storytelling conventions used in Greek theatre. We look at different types of staging and how the Greek Chorus works in a more non-naturalistic, stylised way. Students will be working in groups; writing, directing, creating characters and designing plays; and this term there is an emphasis on students devising their own work.

Why is this important to know?

Students will develop an understanding of the origins of drama and the techniques that the Greek’s developed along with how our modern theatre was created. They will explore techniques such as choral speaking, unison, exaggerated movement and chorus work. The techniques explored will also support a more non-naturalistic stylised performance which will develop confidence and skills.

Where does this link into our past and future learning?

Students will be able to utilise the skills of creating a character from the Our Day Out work and use the techniques for this SOW. Also, for future learning the skills developed will support the exaggerated movement of the silent film work for the next term.

How will we be assessed on this topic?

Students will be assessed practically at the end of the scheme of work focusing on the skills, techniques and group work. The students will be encouraged to create their own work form a Greek myth using the techniques explored in the SOW.

• Group work- co-operation and participation.
• Greek character – character exploration and understanding background of the characters use of voice and movement to create a character.
• Use of techniques – unison, exaggerated movements, formation, choral speaking.

What makes a strong piece of work in this topic? What are teachers hoping to see?

Students will be expected to perform in front of the class and demonstrate their understanding of the techniques of Greek theatre with a strong sense of ensemble to achieve success.

What key words are there in this topic?

• Group work.
• Character development
• Devising
• Unison
• Choral speaking
• Exaggerated movements

What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?

• Nominate yourself to be a director for a group, to support your ideas and to have a focus for the work.
• Design and make a Greek mask for the character in your assessment performance.

What wider reading can be done on this topic?

• Greek myths and legends to understand the Greek’s use of gods, family life and culture.

Supporting document/links:

• National Theatre – Greek theatre, click here.
• Design elements of Greek theatre, click here.
• How to make a mask, click here.

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