From Greek to Gospel

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

Learning 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