Caucasian Chalk Circle

The M5 class are about to stage a production of Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle. Appropriate A common text for study in many schools, the geographical locations and political issues of the play have never been more appropriate for exploration by TISA students. Here is a link to a fellow blogger who has created a timeline of events in Georgia. Why might understanding the history of Georgia impact on our production concept?

Here are some other productions for you to look at to help you with your research.

Mark Nicholls, a Seattle based theatre composer

The National Theatre of England

Heidi Hoffer's set designs

An Afghani Theatre company video clip

A two and a half hour version!! Some great designs

And another video clip

There is a Youtube posting featuring one of Grusha's songs but it is about children in war and the images are very disturbing. The opening shot is of two Sri Lankan child soldiers. Please don't watch it if you are likely to be upset by this source.

M4 Children's Musical Theatre

So, we have read The Gruffalo, and watched Tall Stories Theatre Company's performnace of the same story. In groups we have analysed what are the elements that make up children's theatre specifically. Now we have a list of questions that need answering. As well as the primary sources you are using (primary teachers, the library and librarian, children themselves!) I have put together a few websites of children's theatre companies for you to look at. Find some answers but also see what inspires you, provokes you, gives you new ideas and questions....

Oily Cart - works with children, often disabled children

Tricylce theatre - theatre, cinema and events

Unicorn theatre - creates original children's theatre and hosts visitors

Polka - original children's theatre

Moscow State Children's Music Theatre - dedictaed children's theatre

Turnitin.com

Here is a link to the quickstart for students pdf on turnitin.com You have a class id and password which I will give to you in class.
Here's to a plagiarism free year!
Turnitin.com

M4 & M5 design critiques

Use the images below to complete your design critique. There are more on the network if none of these appeal to you.

This is the task you have been set:

You have now experienced the design process in practice as well as undertaken research into many aspects of theatre design. Use this knowledge and experience to choose a costume or set design from the options on the blog. Print out the design you have chosen and, either in note form or essay form, critique the design. Comment on the techniques used and why you think the designer has employed them.

The rubric is in your hand out pack. Good luck!

The DREAM team

Are you a part of the Dream...?
If you are, you need to get singing and dancing. Here are some links to videos. Egeus, Hermia, Lysander, Philostrate and Demetrius need to become Wham! and their backing singers. I know you can do it. The mechanicals need to also watch the dance moves and start to get swinging their arms in that way.

Prince Charming is Theseus and the fairies - watch the arms. We are doing a shorter version as it goes on for a long time!

Ah, and especially for the Mechanicals, here is Come on Eileen..

Enjoy!

Silk Road Project

M5 are working with the art and mysic classes as they explore the transmission of cultural ideas along the Silk Road. What is globalisation? Is it a good or a bad thing? Is it a modern phenomenon? How do the cultures along the Silk Road differ and what are the similarities? As well as silk, salt and oil being traded, ideas and values also shifted and moved with the traders. How have these changed the world views of the cultures along the trade routes? Can we hear evidence of cross-cultural fertilisaiton if we listen to music from different regions? Can we see similarities and differences between the religious observances? How does theatre develop from religion and mythology? All these questions and many more will be explored. Use links on the right to help you with research for your presentation or essay.

the arch villain in a processional ta¿zia, Mehriz, 1977. image take from http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/v12f5/v12f5036d.html

M4 & M5 design projects

Here are some links to help you in your research and design process:

Click on this example of a set design collage for more information, and check out this link for info on costume design.

Artslynx has loads of links on theatre design - have fun browsing!