Ana's timeline
When putting performances together, it is important to find, like this group here, moments of emotional subtext. Particularly when focusing on a single character, like Ana from Neighbourhood Watch, consider the physical, gestural and/or vocal choices that could capture what the character is thinking and feeling.
Activity 7 – create a timeline of Ana's life
Syllabus outcomes
A student:
H1.5 demonstrates directorial skills
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. You will present a timeline that highlights key cultural, social, political, and personal issues and concerns relevant to the play and its context, specifically focusing on Ana's experiences.
Materials
Planning paper and markers or a digital equivalent.
Multimedia resources for the presentation including projection and audio, if available.
Instructions
In a group of 3 or 4, create a 'performance timeline' of Ana's life. Your timeline should cover the historical contexts discussed in previous lessons, as well as Ana's experiences within the play. Variation: you could complete this task as a class and make one big timeline presentation.
You can use multimedia resources, such as projected images, video clips, or audio recordings, to enhance your performance. This will make your timeline engaging and visually compelling.
Start by mapping out the main events in Ana's life from the play. Record at least 10 events with emphasis on what your group thinks are most significant for Ana. Extension: you may also want to read this article about Lally Katz's inspiration for Ana (Sydney Morning Herald, 2018).
Conduct additional research to ensure your timeline accurately reflects the key cultural, social, political, and personal issues and concerns of the play and its context. Discuss how these elements relate to Ana's character and the overall narrative.
Each group will present their timeline as a dynamic performance. This is your chance to bring the timeline to life. Consider incorporating elements of storytelling, physicality, and character portrayal to convey the timeline's significance effectively.
Refine your list to 5 events for your performance.
Use multimedia tools to enhance your presentation and immerse the audience in the world of the play.
After each performance, take a moment to reflect individually on how the timeline performance deepened your understanding of the play's cultural, social, political, and personal themes. What insights did you gain from the performances?
Reflection
Document a summary of your knowledge from this activity in your logbook 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.
Katz, L. 2014. Neighbourhood Watch [play script]. Currency Press.
Katz, L. 2018. Lally Katz remembers Anna: survivor, neighbour, inspiration and friend [news article]. Accessed 17 August 23. Published online by the Sydney Morning Herald.