Embodying Amazon Characters

Overview

This 55-minute lesson introduces Year 13 Drama students to Laban Movement Analysis focusing on character development from Revenge of the Amazons. Students explore physicality and emotional expression through Laban’s principles to deepen their understanding and portrayal of characters. The lesson is designed to cater for diverse learners including those with ORS funding and embraces the school values promoting Mauri Ora through ako.

Curriculum Links

Learning Area: The Arts – Drama
Level: Year 13 (Senior Secondary)
Relevant NCEA Achievement Standard:

AS91206: Perform a substantial acting role with direction (Level 3 Drama)
AS91207: Devise and perform a drama to communicate an aspect of social or cultural significance

Key Competencies Emphasised:

Relating to others: Collaborative character exploration
Managing self: Self-management through focused physical work
Participating and contributing: Ensemble movement activities

Values Incorporated:

Manaakitanga – Respect and care during partner/group work
Whanaungatanga – Building relationships through shared physical exploration
Rangatiratanga – Empowering students to make choices in character embodiment
Tūrangawaewae – Establishing personal connection to characters and place on stage

Learning Objectives (WALT)

WALT explore Laban’s Effort qualities to express character traits from Revenge of the Amazons.
WALT use physicality to interpret and present key characteristics of Amazons.
WALT collaborate effectively to develop shared physical language and peer feedback skills.

Success Criteria

Identify and describe Laban’s Efforts (Weight, Space, Time, Flow) in relation to character traits.
Demonstrate physical embodiment using at least two Laban Effort qualities.
Offer constructive and respectful peer feedback demonstrating manaakitanga.
Reflect on how physical exploration influenced own understanding of character (rangatiratanga).

Resources Needed

Open space suitable for movement
Character description sheets for key Amazons (simplified & dyslexia-friendly)
Laban Effort qualities posters/visual aids
Whiteboard & markers for concept notes
Audio clips of thematic sounds/music (optional, to inspire movement)

Lesson Plan Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details & Differentiation	Curriculum Links & Notes
0-5 mins	Introduction & Warm-up	Briefly introduce Revenge of the Amazons context focusing on key characters. Warm-up with whole-body stretches emphasizing flow and release.	Build physical readiness (HPE principles). Manaakitanga modelled by teacher welcoming all. Manage self by getting ready calmly.
5-15 mins	Teaching Laban Efforts Overview	Introduce Laban’s four Effort qualities (Weight, Space, Time, Flow) with examples. Use clear visuals and short, simple definitions for dyslexic-friendly access.	Aligns with body awareness and expression within drama curriculum. Supports thinking and using language, symbols, and texts key competencies.
15-25 mins	Group Movement Exploration	In groups of 4-5, assign each a specific Amazon character and Laban Effort (e.g., Strong Weight, Direct Space). Explore movement phrases expressing these qualities. Scaffold with sentence stems: "My Amazon moves with..."	Differentiation: Provide movement mentors for ORS students; visual and verbal instructions; allow movement choices. Addresses whanaungatanga by working closely.
25-35 mins	Character Movement Development	Each group builds a 30-second movement sequence expressing their assigned character traits via Laban Efforts. Encourage creative use of levels, tempo, and gesture.	Encourages participating and contributing and managing self. Opportunity for rangatiratanga as students make creative decisions.
35-45 mins	Perform and Peer Feedback	Groups perform to class, peers give feedback using a simple ‘two stars and a wish’ model focusing on clarity of Laban Effort and character embodiment. Teacher models respectful language.	Highlights manaakitanga and effective communication. Reinforces relating to others competency in constructive feedback contexts.
45-55 mins	Reflection and Cool-down	Guided reflection focusing on: How did using Laban Efforts help you understand your character? Journaling or verbal sharing. Gentle physical cool-down to reset.	Metacognition and self-assessment strategies support managing self. Supports development of personal and cultural identity (tūrangawaewae).

Differentiation Strategies

Provide movement options: students may choose seated or standing variations.
Use peer-buddy system to support ORS and neurodivergent learners.
Character sheets use simple, clear language and bullet points for dyslexia-friendly access.
Visual aids for Laban Efforts include colour coding and symbols to support understanding.
Allow verbal or artistic responses for reflection for students with literacy challenges.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Create and lead a warm-up incorporating Laban Effort concepts for the class.
Devise an improvised scene in character using embodied Laban techniques.
Research an additional Amazon character and present Laban-based movement analysis to class.

Reflection and Assessment

Teacher observation focuses on physical engagement and accurate use of Laban Effort qualities.
Peer feedback quality also informs social competence aligned with manaakitanga and whanaungatanga.
Student reflections (verbal or written) assess metacognitive understanding and connection to character.

Summary

This Laban Movement lesson builds critical Drama skills for Year 13 students by combining physicality with character analysis through culturally responsive and differentiated pedagogy. It aligns strongly with the New Zealand Curriculum Arts learning area, demonstrates clear links to NCEA standards, and supports the development of key competencies and school values to ensure equitable, engaging learning for all students.

If you want, I can also create printable handouts or a digital slide deck aligned with this plan for easy classroom use!

Teaching Instructions