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Adult Ed Icon From Greek to Gospel

OverviewActivities

Overview

Greek drama has deep roots in American theater. Many American venues stage productions featuring the universal themes presented in this ancient literary genre as a paradigm of life in modern times. Gospel music has deep roots in the American experience as well. The two-Greek theater and gospel music-have been engrafted together in GREAT PERFORMENCES' Gospel at Colonus. This lesson will explore the artistic value in this new interpretation of the Greek chorus.

Subject Matter

  • Art, Language Arts

Objectives

Students will be able to:
  • Compare references provided in text to those presented in the production
  • Determine rationale for production choices
  • Develop a production map of a literary piece

Standards

From the New York State Learning Standards
http://www.nysatl.nysed.gov/standards.html

Art Standard 1:
Students will actively engage in the processes that constitute creation and performance in the arts and participate in various roles in the arts

Music:
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/arts/artstand/music1.html
Identify and describe the roles, processes and actions needed to produce professional concerts and musical theater production

Theater:
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/arts/artstand/theatre1.html
Carry out acting, directing and design choices, which support and enhance the intent of a production

ELA Standard 2:
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/ela/elastandards/ela2a.html
Students will read, write, listen and speak for literary response and expression-students will read and view independently and fluently across many genres of literature from many cultures and historical periods

Materials

Media Components

Video
GREAT PERFORMANCES: Gospel at Colonus

Web sites
"Oedipus at Colonus" by Sophocles, Translated by F. Storr
http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/soph/colonus.htm
Online text of "Oedipus at Colonus"

Educational Media Collection: Topics for "Gospel at Colonus"
http://www.css.washington.edu/emc/topics.php?mid=6226
Resource listing for educational material

Amazon.com Music Samples: "Gospel at Colonus"
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000005IZ7/ref=pm_dp_ln_m_2/102-9184580-2397748?v=glance&s=music&n=507846&vi=samples
Commercial site that provides listening samples of hard-to-find and popular music

Handouts
Gospel production of Sophocles

Prep for teachers:

  • Load appropriate plug-in for Windows Media Player or Real-Time Player
  • Bookmark sites
  • Cue tape to appropriate scene
  • Photocopy Gospel production of Sophocles handout




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