Devising with Brecht

Lesson Overview

• Age Group: Year 9 Students
• Duration: 50 minutes
• Class Size: 9 students
• Subject: Drama

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the principles of Bertolt Brecht’s theatre and its emphasis on socio-political themes.
2. Develop original performance material inspired by Brecht’s techniques.
3. Collaboratively devise a short scene incorporating Brechtian elements such as alienation and direct audience engagement.
4. Reflect on their creative process and how it connects to Brecht's ideas.

National Curriculum Links

• Drama: Key Stage 3 Curriculum:
  • Develop and use techniques of voice and movement to engage an audience.
  • Explore and shape ideas in drama and theatre as part of the creative process.
  • Understand the role of drama as a means of expression and a form of communication.

Resources Needed

• Space for performance (classroom or drama studio)
• Paper and pens for brainstorming
• Whiteboard and markers
• Basic stage props (as needed, e.g., hats, chairs, etc.)
• A selection of images and texts related to Brecht’s work

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes):

   • "Brechtian Warm-Up": Stand in a circle. Each student says one word that they connect with theatre, and the next student must use that word in a sentence related to Brecht.
   • This activity encourages quick thinking and starts focusing on the theme.

2. Introduction to Brecht (5 minutes):

   • Briefly introduce Bertolt Brecht, highlighting the following:
     • His view that theatre should provoke thought and discussion.
     • The concept of "Verfremdungseffekt" (alienation effect) which aims to prevent the audience’s emotional immersion.
     • Importance of socio-political messages in his work.
   • Engage students by asking them how they think Brecht’s ideas can be relevant today.

Main Activity (30 minutes)

1. Guided Brainstorming (10 minutes):

   • Split students into pairs.
   • Each pair generates themes relevant to their own lives or communities (e.g. social media, bullying, climate change) that could reflect Brecht’s socio-political commentary.
   • Circulate and assist students with ideas, encouraging them to think about how these themes can inspire action or provoke thought.

2. Creating the Scene (15 minutes):

   • Each pair will devise a short 2-minute scene using the following guidelines:
     • Incorporate an element of the alienation effect (e.g., breaking the fourth wall, using narration).
     • Ensure that their theme is clearly communicated.
     • Use one Brechtian technique learned in their brainstorming (e.g., minimalism in set design, direct address to the audience).
   • Monitor their progress, prompting discussion about the choices they’re making and ensuring alignment with Brecht's principles.

3. Performing and Peer Feedback (5 minutes):

   • Each pair performs their scene to the rest of the group.
   • After each performance, allow 1 minute for feedback. Encourage students to focus on the clarity of the theme and the effectiveness of Brechtian techniques used.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Group Reflection (5 minutes):

   • Lead a group discussion on the following:
     • What did they learn about Brecht's impact on theatre?
     • How did they interpret and communicate their chosen themes?
     • What challenges did they face during the devising process?

2. Exit Ticket (5 minutes):

   • Each student writes one sentence about what they enjoyed most in today’s lesson and one question they still have about Brecht or devising.
   • Collect as they leave, which can help inform the next lesson.

Assessment and Feedback

• Informal assessment through observation during brainstorming, devising, and performances.
• Student reflections to gauge understanding and engagement with Brecht’s work.
• Feedback from peers during performances to foster a collaborative learning environment.

This detailed lesson plan aims to engage Year 9 students in devising drama while exploring Brecht’s transformative impact on theatre, ensuring alignment with UK educational standards. Students will be inspired to think critically about issues important to them and express their ideas creatively.