Interpreting literature through performance . . .

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(No Transcript)
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Interpreting literature through performance . .
. The Romantic poets let their imaginations soar
as they spoke to the ocean, to the wind, to the
folly and arrogance of humankind. Poetry is
filled with sounds and images that do not always
come through fully for the reader who is alone
with the text.
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Interpreting literature through performance . .
. A performance presentation, using some
combination of speakers, images, sounds,
movement, and props, can reveal and heighten the
meaning of a piece of literature and add to the
pleasure of those experiencing the work.
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B a s i c s i n a B o x
Performance Presentation at a Glance
GUIDELINES STANDARDS
A useful script will
A successful presentation will
A successful performance presentation needs

• present an overall description of the setting,
  props, and costumes if any
• include stage directions to indicate the specific
  gestures, movements, and tone of voice performers
  should use

• make and support a valid interpretation of a
  literary text
• use voice, movement, and facial expressions, to
  enhance the performance and establish a mood
• use props and costumes, if appropriate, to enrich
  the audiences experience of the literary work

• a literary work chosen for its performance
  possibilities
• a script marked for the performance
• performers committed to a particular
  interpretation
• optional costumes, props, sound effects, music,
  and visuals

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Creating Your Performance Presentation
One ought, every day at least, to hear a little
song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and,
if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable
words. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German
writer and poet
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Creating Your Performance Presentation

• When choosing a literary work for your
  performance presentation, you might consider
  selecting a work that includes one or more of the
  following
• dramatic action
• rhythmic or musical language
• opportunities for collaboration with one or more
  classmates
• compelling characters or setting

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Developing Your Performance Presentation
1. Decide on the purpose of your performance. Is
it to add depth to the literatures exact
wording? Is it to introduce another point of
view? For example, you could present a dialogue
between the subject and the writer of When We
Two Parted to give the woman a chance to defend
herself. Or you might want to stage a debate
between Truth and Beauty, based on Ode on a
Grecian Urn.
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Developing Your Performance Presentation
2. Decide on the mood and texture of the
performance. Do you want your audience to get a
sense of anger? joy? beauty? sadness? 3. Choose
strategies for conveying your message. Will you
use props? lighting? music? dance? other forms of
communication? How will the strategies you use
emphasize your interpretation?
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Developing Your Performance Presentation
4. Consider your audience. What is their level of
familiarity with the text? How long is their
attention span? What special interests do they
have? 5. Think of what must be included in your
script. For example, if you use music, can you
vary the selections or must there be one specific
melody? How will you handle entrances and exits
if any are needed?
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Creating Your Performance Presentation

• Follow these steps as you prepare for your
  performance
• Memorize your presentation.
• Practice each gesture, tone of voice, facial
  expression, and movement.
• If your script calls for props, be sure they are
  available when you practice.

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Creating Your Performance Presentation

• Time your presentation. Dont wait until you are
  standing in front of an audience to find out if
  something is too long, too short, or awkward.
• Practice with the music or other sounds youve
  planned.
• Get feedback from peers you invite to your
  practices. If they don't understand your
  interpretation, you may wish to make some changes
  before the performance.

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Creating Your Performance Presentation

• TARGET SKILL
• EVALUATING YOUR INTERPRETIVE CHOICE
• After you have practiced your performance
  presentation, think about your peer reviewers
  comments. Are all the elements you included
  appropriate for your interpretation of the
  selection? Do they fit the mood and audience?
  Make any necessary changes.