Greek and Roman Theater by Don Nardo (Lucent Books September 1994)
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| The Greek and Roman Stage by David Taylor | (Amazon link) |
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| Broadway, The American Musical by Michael Kanton and Laurence Maslon Review |
These books provide excellent source material for research presentations, historical cross-reference for costuming and design, and overall cultural context for plays throughout history. Students grades 10-12 would use them to create their own unique design of a modernized production of The Birds by Aristophanes. Because this would be group-based work, the students would be assigned a specific theatrical task (based on previous performance based assessments and interests) and would find that element of production to research in the books.
I think this is such a unique way to approach a theatrical project. I was actually cast in a production of THE BIRDS my senior year of high school, and it was one of the more difficult plays my family and friends had to sit through. Modernizing it would be an especially huge help to a young audience; hopefully the dramaturgs will help engage the group in the historical significance and context of the play so that an effective, stimulating translation can be produced. Having the students look at the aspects of the Broadway musical and how it applies to a historical play like this is interesting, because there isn't that much singing in this play. Are you hoping that the students use the Broadway text to help beef up the musical aspect of the production?
ReplyDeleteHi, Kelly. You need to select books that are written on & below grade level. What makes these 3 books appropriate for teens? You and I discussed this in class. Please find others that meet the criteria. KB
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