Exploring Artaud's Theatre

Lesson Overview

This 60-minute lesson aims to deepen students' understanding of Antonin Artaud's Theatre of Cruelty through a theoretical lens after viewing an Artaudian performance. Students will engage with key concepts, dramatic texts, and the implications of Artaud's methods in modern theatre, aligning with the UK GCSE Drama curriculum.

Objectives

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

1. Define key concepts related to Artaud’s Theatre of Cruelty.
2. Discuss the significance of a visceral experience in Artaud's work.
3. Analyse the impact of Artaud’s theories on contemporary theatre practice.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector (for clips from various performances)
• Handouts with key concepts and quotes from Artaud
• Post-it notes
• Pens or pencils
• Copies of Artaud's text excerpts (selected passages from "The Theatre and Its Double")

Curriculum Links

• GCSE Drama (AQA/Edexcel)
  • Understanding of dramatic techniques, including performance styles.
  • Analysis of texts and their impact on performance.
  • Communication skills through discussion and presentation.

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Warm-Up Discussion:

   • Prompt students with the question: “What emotions did you experience during the Artaud performance? Which moments stood out to you?”
   • Facilitate a brief sharing session, encouraging students to express their thoughts on the performance.

2. Objective Sharing:

   • Explain the aims of the lesson, focusing on how Artaud’s philosophy can be applied to modern theatre.

Activity 1: Key Concepts (15 minutes)

1. Group Work:

   • Divide students into small groups of 2-3.
   • Each group receives a handout with key Artaudian concepts (e.g., "Theatre of Cruelty", "Visceral Experience", "Symbolism vs. Realism").
   • Students have 5 minutes to discuss and jot down their understanding.

2. Class Feedback:

   • Invite each group to share their insights, writing down key points on the whiteboard.

Activity 2: Textual Analysis (15 minutes)

1. Reading Excerpts:

   • Distribute selected excerpts from "The Theatre and Its Double".
   • Students read the passages individually, focusing on Artaud’s views regarding performance and its emotional impact.

2. Guided Discussion:

   • Facilitate a discussion using guiding questions:
     • “How does Artaud’s view of theatre contrast with traditional forms?”
     • “What does Artaud mean when he says the actor must ‘purify’ the stage?”

Activity 3: Connecting to Contemporary Theatre (10 minutes)

1. Watching Performance Clips:

   • Show clips from contemporary performances influenced by Artaud’s philosophy.
   • After each performance, prompt students to share how they see Artaud’s ideas at work.

2. Critical Reflection:

   • Ask students to reflect in writing (1-2 sentences) on how a specific aspect of Artaud's Theatre of Cruelty is apparent in the clips shown.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Whole-Class Discussion:

   • Reflect on the Artaudian experience of theatre. Pose the question: “How can understanding Artaud’s vision change our appreciation of performance?”
   • Encourage students to voice their thoughts, drawing connections to their own experiences of performance.

2. Exit Ticket:

   • Each student writes down one new insight they gained about Artaud and his theatre that will inform their future engagement with theatre.

Assessment

• Informal assessment through participation in discussions and group work.
• Written reflections and exit tickets to gauge understanding of Artaud's concepts and their implications for modern theatre.

Extension Activities

• Suggest students explore a piece of contemporary theatre or performance art influenced by Artaud and prepare a short presentation for the next class.

Reflection for the Teacher

• After the lesson, reflect on what worked well and what could be adjusted in future sessions. Consider student engagement levels and any insightful contributions to discussions when planning future lessons on theatre practitioners.

This structured approach not only addresses the theoretical aspects of Artaud's work but also engages students actively in exploring complex ideas, ensuring a rich learning experience.