7 Stages of Grieving

“Why does this play matter in the world in which we live?”

7 Stages of Grieving 2015 Queensland Theatre Company

PerformanceO Link: https://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRnmnJV6C_c

What have we been doing again?

In your study you have been looking at:O how voices and/or images are

represented through textsO questioning your understanding of

history O how techniques create meaning O the way the voices and/or images

from history impact our present

What do I do?

OThe question in the speech stipulates that you demonstrate your personal understanding of the text and argue why it has meaning in your own context

Remember

OThe speech must be between 3-4 minutes in length

What things do I need to mention?

O First and foremost your discussion must be underpinned by TECHNIQUES from the play

O These can be traditional literary techniques such as simile or metaphor

ANDStagecraft/ Dramatic Techniques

The can include things such as stage directions, monologue, set design,

lighting, props, creation of a soundscape, characterisation and many others

What is the difference between a ‘voice from the past’ and an ‘image

from the past’?O A ‘voice from the past’ is essentially

referring to the creation of a perspective. This voice (perspective) from the past presents an alternative viewpoint to what accept as ‘accurate’ perspective of past events

O An ‘image from the past’ is referring to a literal or imagined ‘snapshot’ from the past. An image is a ‘static’ or fixed representation from the past.

Which one do I choose then?

O You need to discuss both images and voices from the past

O To really effectively answer the question you need to identify either a voice/image from the past and argue how it challenges our version of history that we have accepted as fact

Analysing a ‘voice’ from the past

When dicussing a ‘voice’ from the past you need to follow the process outlined belowO How is a voice created in a text?

(Techniques, dramatic features)O What is the voice saying? (Values and

meaning, what are we supposed to learn?)

O How does this challenge our understanding of history?

O How does this impact our present?

Analysing an image from the past

When discussing an ‘image from the past’ in the play you must follow the process outlined below:O How are images created in a text?

(techniques, dramatic features)O What is the image conveying (values and

meaning, what are we supposed to learn?)O How does this challenge our

understanding of history?O How does this impact our present?

Starting the speechO To score into the higher ranges you

must engage your audience, this means that you have to maintain eye contact, vary your voice, and project with clarity and confidence

O A good way to start the speech would be starting with a clear point about the relevance of this play in our current society

What does that look like?

O You could refer to the current media debate surrounding Adam Goodes and the racism in Australia

O You might refer to the facts or statistics regarding Aboriginal deaths in custody, poor rates of numeracy and literacy or lower life expectancy for Aboriginal people

O ENGAGE your audience, start your speech with something that will engage your audience and keep their interest sustained for the duration of your speech

StructureO The structure of the play is experimental as it

draws on modern elements of contemporary theatre.

O It has 22 different scenes or segments, which vary in length from one line to two pages. Each brings a different type of performance to the stage.

O It does not follow a linear structure as it goes back and forth in time from the current day, to 1788 and back again.

O It does not follow one story, or even one character from beginning to end, nor does it finish with a complete climax.

Structure-continuedO There is a balance between humorous and serious scenes.O Silence is a motif in the play that is used to dramatise the

sense of profound grief and lossO As it is a modern play, it doesn’t conclude with a

substantive ending, it asks the audience to continue the discussion of the issues explored in the play in their own lives.

O The last line of the play is “I feel nothing”, which tells us very little in terms of a resolution. Perhaps the only conclusion is that Aboriginal people have the right and obligation to express their sorrow and tell their version of the past. They will continue to look back to the past to inspire them to continue the fight for equality and reconciliation.

What will I be marked on?

1. Techniques- you will be marked on how well you have selected evidence AND analysed how these techniques contribute to your understanding of images and/or voices from the past

2. Demonstrate your personal understanding of the play and how it relates to the modern world

3. Structure- your speech needs to be well-organised and have a logical sequence

4. Presentation- you need to consistently make eye contact, vary the pitch and tone of your voice and engage the people sitting in front of you!