“Meryl Streep- Mother Courage and her Children 2006”
-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWApVvqM-W0
“The Good Person of Szechwan”
-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHZFhN7j4vI
Hook: How do you feel so far about Brecht? Discuss thoughts.
Learning Plan:
Watch different kinds of examples of Brechtian theatre. Have students take notes of what they would want to adapt into their own practice. After each video, have students analyze what kinds of Brechtian elements they noticed, what the effect of these elements are.
Step 1: “Dogville Prologue” clip. This is a clip we have already watched in class. Re-watching it now, what do you notice that might apply have been influenced by Brechtian theatre?
Step 2: Watch “An introduction to Brechtian theatre” clip. What Brechtian elements do you notice? What are some ways they are being used? Is it effective for you? Why or why not?
Step 3: “Brecht’s Caucasian Chalk Circle at UMKC” clip. What Brechtian elements do you notice? What are some ways they are being used? Is it effective for you? Why or why not?
Step 4: “Meryl Streep- Mother Courage and her Children 2006” clip. What Brechtian elements do you notice? What are some ways they are being used? Is it effective for you? Why or why not?
Step 5: “The Good Person of Szechwan” clip. What Brechtian elements do you notice? What are some ways they are being used? Is it effective for you? Why or why not?
Step 6: Discuss the notes that students wrote down about what they want to adapt into their own practice. What is interesting to you about this kind of theatre?
Step 7: Introduce the assessment that they can start working on for next time.
Instructions:
Students will get into pairs. Here is the situation: A production company wants to produce a play in a Brechtian style. As a director, you would like to present an idea for you get to pick the play, but you have to make your pitch to the producers. (your class) You must come up with an idea of a show that you would like to perform in the Brechtian style.
You will take a few minutes to present your idea pitch. Tell us what show you have picked, why a Brechtian approach may suite this play, and your basic concept for the show (how you will use Brechtian elements, what your unique take on the show will be). This is like Shark Tank. Really sell us on the idea!
Make sure you can provide the following information in your pitch presentation:
Name of play
Author of play
Your directors concept (summary of your focus)
Closure: With any remaining time, the students can get into their pairs and start brainstorming ideas. Make sure that they know that next time they will have about 30 min to work on their pitch presentation before we present.
