This is one of a series of lesson ideas provided by Gill Chesney-Green from Derbyshire in the UK. (Thanks a plenty Gill! - Kim Flintoff - Webmaster)
LESSON: MICHAEL'S STORY (Based on the Caucasian Chalk Circle)
AIMS: To acquaint the class with dramatic script
OBJECTIVES: Encourage an interest in theatre as story-telling
STRATEGIES:
1. Tell the story so far;
"Once upon a time in a far-off country lived a King and a Queen. They had a baby son called Michael. They were not very well liked for they made the ordinary people in their country pay high taxes, which they then squandered on jewels, parties etc.
One day the people revolted and charged the palace. The King was killed. However, the Queen managed to flee the palace although in her haste she forgot her son. Grusha, a servant, found him and realising that if she left him he would be killed, took him and fled to the countryside. Ten years later the Queen returned to the country to rule it and wanted her son back. Through various means she managed to find him. However, Grusha would not give him up, so the Queen brought her before Judge Azdek."
2. What would have made the populous revolt? Make flashbacks to show the 'straw that broke the camel's back'.
3. Imagine that the Queen has written a diary based on what has happened to her over the 10 year period. Bring to life 3 events that happened over those years. (Where did she run to? What sort of life did she have? How did she know she could go back to rule the country? How did she find him?)
4. Imagine that the Grusha has written a diary based on what has happened to them over the 10 year period. Bring to life 3 events that happened over those years. ( What happened when she arrived back with Michael? What sort of life did they have? Did she tell people about his identity? How did the relationship develop?)
5. Hotseat the Queen. (Why does she want him back after all these years?)
6. Hotseat Grusha. Discuss.
9. Set up a trial scene. Who gets Michael?
10. Tell the class the ending to The Caucasian Chalk Circle.
11. Choose sections of script for the class to try out.
RELATED ACTIVITIES: Diary work - What would Michael's account of the whole thing be?
ASSESSMENT POSSIBILITIES: Monologue of Grusha, Michael or the Queen some months or years later. Give time to prepare these.
CROSS-CURRICULAR LINKS: None
RESOURCES:
Copies of sections of the play for students to use.
Sugar paper and felt tip pens for designs of Grusha and/or Queen