Art Reflecting Society: Issues through Drama

This week, you have worked in pairs or trios to a) consider songs, films and television shows that address issues (i.e., business ethics, environment, abuse, addiction, etc.) and b) create an open-ended scene that introduces the issue of your choice to the audience.


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Your homework--for three Inquiry marks--is, in two to three sentences, to identify Augusto Boal, Forum Theatre, and to explain how this assignment is tied to his work and this type of theatre.  It was due Monday, but because you have an opportunity to buy-in to the hypnotist show, the due date is now Tuesday, beginning of class. 

Questions to consider as we go through this unit:

1.      Is art political?

2.      Is art biased?

3.      Does art change its audience?

4.      Do I as an artist have moral/ethical responsibilities as I pursue my art?

5.      Can a fictional narrative be as ‘true’ as a documentary?

Task #1 Groups:  ELA—Opposing Views

In your group, write down as many pros and cons as you can regarding the potential closure of the Experimental Lakes.   Are there arguments that appeal to the heart vs. the head?  Which POV (point of view) (close/don’t close) does your group believe/feel it is easier to argue?  Why?

Group 1	Group 2	Group 3	Group 4
Sabrina Brady Jenna Alyssa Maddie Jason	Elizabeth B Mike D Trenton Emma Connor Mike W	Elizabeth C Teyana Brina Courtney April	Matt Mackenzie Jeff Marissa Anicka

 

Imagine that your group is about to meet the MP regarding this issue.  (S/He is therefore the audience.)  Create a tableau that shows your POV five minutes before meeting him, a second tableau that shows your POV as you listen to what s/he has to say, a third tableau that shows your POV when it is now your group’s turn to express your POV.

This tableau series should be able to be performed in a relatively seamless flow as you morph through the three moments. 

Task #2 Individual:  Due Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Write a short dialogue for two characters based on the ELA issue in proper script format.

Who are these two people?  How does this issue affect them personally?  What moment in their lives are you choosing?  Is there conflict?  A reveal?  A sense of hope? A loss of trust?  Despair?  Financial worries?  Hitting the jackpot?  Explore the possibilities…..