Brecht, Epic Theatre and The Caucasian Chalk Circle Workshop

A series of activities introducing Brecht and Epic Theatre. After students have taken part in a variety activities, the PowerPoint introduces The Caucasian Chalk Circle and students have the opportunity to explore the key themes within this play. The PowerPoint could be split into multiple lessons and completed over a series of weeks. The PowerPoint has been designed for students taking BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts (Unit 19 and Unit 2) but this can be used in any lesson where students need to explore the key features of this style. There is a mixture of discussions and practical activities, with theoretical knowledge embedded.
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PowerPoint content:**

• Introduction to who Bertolt Brecht is
• Brecht’s influences
• Agreement line - exploring personal views
• Presenting views - exploring opposite views
• Political theatre/using theatre for change
• Epic Theatre intro
• Everybody Hates Poor People from ‘The Good Woman of Szechuan’ - video clip
• verfremdungseffekt
• Tuning in - choral and group work
• Multiple perspectives
• Montage
• Gestus
• Politics in The Caucasian Chalk Circle
• Stop and go - exploring key characters in The Caucasian Chalk Circle
• Exploring the prologue (Story woosh - acting out the prologue)
• Improvisation of scene
• Modern day dilemma
• Reflection on skills

All PowerPoint slides are editable.