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: Problem Page Letter
AIMS: Looking at an issue from the viewpoint of someone else (empathy)
OBJECTIVES: To develop drama in which the audience reaction is carefully orchestrated for their empathy/sympathy
STRATEGIES:
Dear Problem Page
I am a student at University and I’m in my second year. The work side of my life is not what is troubling me. You see I am Asian and from a fairly strict family. My parents have arranged a marriage for me for when I have completed my course of studies.
I accepted this until four months ago when I met a wonderful by who is in his final year. We love each other and I don’t know what to do.
My two sisters are hoping to go to University in a couple of years - by if I choose to defy my father and stay with this boy (who is white) I may spoil their chances of going to University for he won’t allow them to go. If I follow my father’s wishes and marry the boy my father has chosen for me my parents will be pleased, my sisters will be able go to University but I will be unhappy - what can I do?
Yours sincerely
Nasim Sharma
Discussion:
The situation described in the letter is fairly common and obviously, very upsetting for all concerned.
Nasim is in a dilemma ...... she can grasp her own happiness but maybe ruin or spoil the happiness of her sisters and parents - or she can forgo her own happiness and do as she is expected. Both are going to be difficult and making a decision is equally difficult.
Look at the background and development of the girl’s family and education. What were/are her parents like? Her sisters? How is she different at University? Show how the problem arises and how she copes. How does it affect her and her relationship with her family before she even tells them?
What questions do you want your drama to answer? How will you create scenes to do this? How will you structure the drama? What conventions will you use? Why?
Break the drama up into small sections - remember, the audience needs time to identify the people, the situation and ultimately to feel the difficulties involved in the choice to be made.
RELATED ACTIVITIES: Write a letter from Nasim’s arranged partner saying he would like to come and visit her at University and devise the scene(s) showing what happens when he arrives.
ASSESSMENT POSSIBILITIES: As per the GCSE syllabus requirements
CROSS- CURRICULAR LINKS PSVE: Cross cultural studies
RESOURCES: Copies of Nasim’s letter