Henrik Ibsen, 1881
Overview: In A Doll House and Ghosts, Ibsen explored the role of women and men in our society. Sadly, many parallels to our present society are abound, yet there is something dated about the philosophical concepts. Yes, as a society, we have accepted that women and men should have equal rights, for example. However, is this truly happening? Are women paid the same as men for the same occupation? More importantly, what are we seeing with regard to sexual harassment, assault, and rape in the media today? Have you noticed the difference in male and female responses in the media? This goes beyond gender. In what ways has the idea of gender been challenged through the efforts of the LBGTQ community? Also, issues pertaining to race and immigration follow similar blueprints. How would Ibsen have defended them today? How do the efforts of all marginalized groups impact everyone?
Your task will be to explore current issues (like those mentioned above) connected to human rights in and around the world. Have a global focus. Ibsen challenged society through drama. Now it is your turn.
Directions: Each group will research a global issue happening right now. 1) Each student in class will compose a blog response (here), exploring an issue seen in the current media that resembles the ghosts explored by Ibsen. Make direct parallels to what we explored in Ibsen's plays and how we see a new but reminiscent thing happening now. 2) Next, we will form groups and choose one concept to explore in an Ibsen play of your own. The written work will be visual and it will include a performance of a single scene from your play. Carefully read the criteria, below. Best of luck!
Directions: Each group will research a global issue happening right now. 1) Each student in class will compose a blog response (here), exploring an issue seen in the current media that resembles the ghosts explored by Ibsen. Make direct parallels to what we explored in Ibsen's plays and how we see a new but reminiscent thing happening now. 2) Next, we will form groups and choose one concept to explore in an Ibsen play of your own. The written work will be visual and it will include a performance of a single scene from your play. Carefully read the criteria, below. Best of luck!
Ibsen Play Criteria
3) Slideshow Presentation
Below is a guideline for your slideshow. Obviously, you can spread out the slides in any manner you wish. Use video, music, images, drawings - the sky's the limit. Please share these with me so I can evaluate the work after class. Important: Be creative! Here is a list of alternatives to PowerPoint.
- Slide 1: Create a symbolic title for the play.
- Slides 2-3: Develop a statement of purpose with a focus on a global issue about the rights of women/LBGTQ community, immigrants, or another issue of concern (Please, check with me before you begin). Tell us why you are composing this play? What do you hope to teach your audience? How do you expect them to respond? What do you hope to achieve?
- Slide 4: Share a list of characters (Make the cast look like Ibsen).
- Slide 5: What will the stage look like? Include setting, time, place, staging, etc. Again, think Ibsen imagery and design. See the examples on this page.
- Slides 6-8: Develop an outline of the 3-4 acts in your play. Include the basic plot, characters's actions, conflicts, symbols and resolution. Use all of Ibsen's techniques: the characters who develop past their initial stereotypes, couples, the outlier, a shocking ending, etc.
- Slides 9-13: Share your scripted scene so we can all follow along as you perform.
4) Presentation:
Everyone should been an active participant. Perhaps some people give the above presentation, taking turns and the other group members perform. Someone can act as narrator or help explain what is going on and how it will play out your play. Again, play to your strengths as a group.
- Present slides (Be engaging. Do NOT just read off the slides).
- Perform your scene.
