Character profiles
Activity 6 – character profile performances
Syllabus outcomes
A student:
H1.3 uses knowledge and experience of dramatic and theatrical forms, styles and theories to inform and enhance individual and group-devised works
H2.3 demonstrates directorial skills for theatre and other media
H2.4 appreciates the dynamics of drama as a performing art
H3.1 critically applies understanding of the cultural, historical and political contexts that have influenced specific drama and theatre practitioners, styles and movements.
Drama Stage 6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2009, p 22.
Learning intention
In this activity, you will have the opportunity to consolidate your knowledge of the play Life Without Me. You will develop a character profile that highlights key cultural, social, political, and personal issues and concerns relevant to the play and its context, specifically focusing on your chosen character's experiences.
Materials
Planning paper and markers or a digital equivalent
Multimedia resources for the performance including projection and audio, if available.
Instructions
In a group of 3 to 4, create a 'character profile performance' of a chosen character from the play. Your profile performance should cover the historical contexts discussed in previous lessons, as well as the character's experiences within the play.
The total performance time will be 2 to 3 minutes.
You can use multimedia resources, such as projected images, video clips, or audio recordings, to enhance your performance. You could also experiment with the elements of production. This will make your profile performance engaging and visually compelling.
Start by mapping out the main experiences of your chosen character from the play.
Conduct additional research to extend on your understanding of who your character is and how they are impacted by the cultural, social, political, and personal issues and concerns of the play.
Each group will present their performance profile as a dynamic drama performance. This is your chance to bring the backstory of your chosen character to life. Consider incorporating elements of storytelling and physicality.
Use multimedia tools to enhance your performance presentation and immerse the audience in the stylised, alienating world of Life Without Me.
After each performance, take a moment to reflect individually on how the performance deepened your understanding of the character's cultural, social, political, and personal experiences in the play. What insights did you gain from the performances?
Reflection
Record a summary of your knowledge from this activity in your logbook to be part of your study notes. See the 'Study notes' page for more information.
References
Drama Stage 6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2009.
Keene, D. 2010. Life Without Me [play script]. Currency Press.