As some regular readers of The Drama Teacher may know, in recent years I have acquired an interest in giving my Year 12 Drama students various world events as their ensemble performance topic. Typically, I research an event (historic or recent) and develop a “structure” from which my students write and direct their own dramas. In the Victorian Certificate of Education here in Australia, the polished performance counts for 20% of the students’ grades in their final year of Drama at high school. Recent topics have included the:
- 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster
- 2005 Hurricane Katrina
- 1986 Challenger and 2003 Columbia space shuttle disasters
- 2008 Mumbai terror attacks
So this year, I thought I would go a little historical. See below. In case you may be thinking students would find this topic a bit boring, think again! They loved it.
The Black Death
Setting
England, 1348-50.
Performance Style
Non-naturalism, with aspects of epic theatre.
Prescribed Theatrical Conventions (VCAA)
- transformation of character
- transformation of place
- transformation of object
- disjointed time sequences
Additional Prescribed Theatrical Conventions
- fragmentary costume/s
- direct audience address
- use of placard/s
- fragmentary scenery
- use of song/s
- character/s reflecting social roles
- message/s for the audience
Prescribed Dramatic Elements
- language
- contrast
- symbol
- sound
Background
In the summer of 1348, The Black Death made its way into southern England without notice. A form of the bubonic plague spread by small rodents and their fleas, it spread like wildfire, killing those infected within a week.
One of the most devastating pandemics in history, The Black Death caused loss of life on a massive scale, culling an estimated one-half of England’s population in just over two years. It tore at the very fabric of English society, devastating large cities and obliterating almost the entire population of regional towns and smaller communities.
While those living in Medieval England quickly became familiar with The Black Death’s symptoms, few knew its causes. Christians died without burial rites, large areas of overcrowded cities were wiped out and the nation’s economy suffered due to labour shortages. Such was The Black Death’s impact; it would be hundreds of years before England would return to her former self.
Plot
Your performance must focus on The Black Death in England, 1348-50 and include scenes documenting the following:
- life in Medieval England
- causes of the disease
- symptoms of the disease
- The Black Death’s effect on society
- economic impact of The Black Death
- diseases affecting the modern world and lessons for the future
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