Unit 2 – Families and Celebrations: Transforming a Text

Writing and Performing the Scene

You have been provided copies of a literary text to transform into a dramatic text. Using the appropriate structure for drama, rewrite (transform) the text into a scene that demonstrates the content and conflict(s) captured in the original text. Stay true to the tone and intention of the original author, but transform the text into scene that can be performed while conveying the same intentions of the original author.

Writing a Scene: include title, original author’s name, and new authors’ names. Note: no narrators allowed.

1. Include a description of the “at rise” moment – what the stage looks like and what the characters are doing before the first line.
2. Follow the format for writing a play, with character names followed by dialogue. You may provide additional information to help readers and viewers see who these characters are through the actors who play them.
3. Include stage directions and descriptions or indicators of how lines are to be said.
4. Be consistent with the character presented in the original text. Be sure to include some of the cultural words and phrases (when appropriate) that you saw in the original text to best align your transformation with the original.
5. Please type final draft of scene. Provide me a copy on the day of rehersal.

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Performing a Scene: After writing your script, be sure that all your group members have a copy.

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• Assign roles. You each must take on an acting role, perhaps more than one. In addition, please assign the following roles:
  • 1) Director: responsible for staging/blocking and how the text is read/performed,
  • 2) Costumer responsible for any and all costuming
  • 3) Props responsible for anything the actors may touch during the performance
  • 4) Effects responsible for sound and lighting

• Rehearse your scene several times, making sure that everyone is comfortable with his or her lines and knows when to exit and enter, and how to move. Although you do not have memorize your lines, you must know them well enough that you only need to occasionally reference them during your performance. You must attempt to be in character – acting means using appropriate actions, gestures, facial expressions, and intonation/inflection.

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Reflection: After you perform your scene, write a reflection by answering the following questions.       

             Please type, double space, and follow normal expectations for formal writing.

1. What role did you take in this group assignment? What did you do to fulfill that role? How well did you do in executing your responsibilities?
2. Overall, how well did your group work together?
   • Identify some challenges you faced – explain how they were resolved.
   • Identify some successes – what did you learn from those?
   • If you had it to do over again, what would you do next time.

Scoring Criteria: you will be assessed in two ways 1) as a member of a group through your performance, 2) as an individual through your reflection, and 3) as a supportive audience member.