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Unit

Agatha Rex and Ancient Greek Theatre

Created by Angel Borths

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.

Start here
The overview provides the objectives for the unit and outline for the lesson materials.
  1. 1
    Lesson 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.
  2. 2
    Lesson 2
    Ancient Greek Theatre Vocabulary Research Activity
    Students will be able to identify elements of Ancient Greek Theatre through a group research activity.
  3. 3
    Lesson 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.
  4. 4
    Lesson 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.
  5. 5
    Lesson 5
    Skene Sketching & Vocabulary Activity
    Students will be able to use their knowledge of Greek theatre to predict matching definitions and terms.
  6. 6
    Lesson 6
    Vocabulary Quiz
    Students will be able to complete a formal assessment of their knowledge of Ancient Greek Theatre.
  7. 7
    Lesson 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.
  8. 8
    Lesson 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. 9
    Lesson 9
    Scene Rehearsal
    Students will be able to stage and rehearse an adaptation of a classical greek play, using theatrical masks as a group.
  10. 10
    Lesson 10
    Performance & Reflection
    Students will be able to perform an adaptation of a classical greek play, using theatrical masks as a group.

Standards Addressed

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6

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

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

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

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

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8

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

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

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

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