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Agatha Rex and Ancient Greek Theatre

Created by Angel Borths

Agatha Rex and Ancient Greek Theatre

Help…It’s all Greek to me! Join Angel Borths in this unit that uses a modern adaptation of the Ancient Greek play Antigone to introduce Middle School students to Ancient Greek Theatre.

Have your students read Percy Jackson and want to find out more about Ancient Greece? Then, this unit is for you. This unit is designed for middle and high school students and will take you through the basics of classical Greek theatre and pairs it with a modern adaptation of the story of Antigone called Agatha Rex by Lindsay Price. Students will learn vocabulary, design, and basic theory surrounding classical Greek theatre. Students will also enjoy the mask building component of this unit, as they learn to disappear into the character of a mask, like the first actors did on a Greek stage thousands of years ago.

The unit culminates in a scene performance with masks.

Overview
The overview provides the objectives for the unit and outline for the lesson materials.
Additional Attachments
1: Introduction to Antigone and Agatha Rex
Students will be able to summarize the plot of a story from Ancient Greek Theatre using a description of a classical Greek tragedy.
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2: Ancient Greek Theatre Vocabulary Research Activity
Students will be able to identify elements of Ancient Greek Theatre through a group research activity.
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3: Parts of the Ancient Greek Stage
Students will be able to identify the parts of an Ancient Greek Stage and explain the function of each element.
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4: Aristotle's 6 Elements of Drama
Students will be able to identify Aristotle’s 6 Elements of Drama and analyze their application to modern theatre and media.
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5: Skene Sketching & Vocabulary Activity
Students will be able to use their knowledge of Greek theatre to predict matching definitions and terms.
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6: Vocabulary Quiz
Students will be able to complete a formal assessment of their knowledge of Ancient Greek Theatre.
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7: Post-Reading Reflection & Mask Activity
Students will be able to design and build a Greek Theatre mask in the traditional style for a character in Agatha Rex.
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8: Mask Making & Skene Backdrop Activity
Students will be able to design and build a Greek Theatre mask in the traditional style for a character in Agatha Rex. Students will be able to design and build a skene backdrop.
9: Scene Rehearsal
Students will be able to stage and rehearse an adaptation of a classical greek play, using theatrical masks as a group.
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10: Performance & Reflection
Students will be able to perform an adaptation of a classical greek play, using theatrical masks as a group.
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Standards Addressed

National Core Arts Standards

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6

TH:Cr1.1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7

TH:Pr4.1.7.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6

TH:Pr5.1.6.b - Articulate how technical elements are integrated into a drama/ theatre work.

Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Proficient

TH:Cn11.1.HSI.a - Explore how cultural, global, and historic belief systems affect creative choices in a drama/theatre work.

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7

TH:Cr3.1.7.a - Demonstrate focus and concentration in the rehearsal process to analyze and refine choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7

TH:Pr6.1.7.a - Participate in rehearsals for a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8

TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.

Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 8

TH:Cn11.2.8.b - Identify and use artifacts from a time period and place to develop performance and design choices in a drama/theatre work.

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient

TH:Cr3.1.HSI.b - Explore physical, vocal and physiological choices to develop a performance that is believable, authentic, and relevant to a drama/theatre work.

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Accomplished

TH:Cr3.1.HSII.a - Use the rehearsal process to analyze the dramatic concept and technical design elements of a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.

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