Language and Literature 111                       Mrs. Koplik
                                
          gfgf   Readers Theater Poetry Project  gfgf
                                
Hear Ye, Hear Ye!!! You are cordially invited to attend a very special performance in
room 36 on Wednesday,  October 26....  

As we embark upon our study of poetry, each of you will be assigned to a "Poetry
Theater Group."   Your goal will be to create a presentation (a performance) which will
explore different viewpoints of the same subject through poetry.   In the presentation,
group members will combine expressive, dramatic readings of the poems with
discussion about the perspectives  of your subject that are revealed by the poems.
Your group will select its own subject, but the presentation will adhere to the following
requirements:

1.  After electing a director, each group will find 8 - 12 poems which vary in style and
content.  Try to find one of each of the following: an old poem, a new poem, a funny or
amusing poem, a serious poem, a highly structured poem, a  more free-form poem, a
descriptive poem, a narrative poem, etc.  

2.  The group will write  a script for its presentation  (beginning to end) which includes:
     - an introduction to explain or describe the subject 
     - a plan for the order in which poems will be read
     - brief interpretations of poems 
     - transitional statements  between poems 
     - a closing statement
 
3.  Each group member will do an expressive or dramatic reading of at least two
poems, one of which will be memorized.  The reader should speak  with clarity,
projection, emotion and a sense of purpose.  Try to interpret the poem through your
reading by varying tone and volume, and by using body language and facial
expression.  Rehearse for clear and smooth delivery!!  

4.  Each  poem will be introduced formally, including title , poet, approximate date of
publication  and any other relevant information.  The presentation should move
smoothly from one poem to the next.  Rehearse the entire presentation to ensure that it
does! 

5.  Helpful Hint:  Help your audience to focus its listening  by mentioning some
important features of the poem BEFORE you read it.  Ex.: As I read the next poem by
Robert Frost,  entitled  " Stopping By the Woods on a Snowy Evening," listen to the
way the speaker's weariness is emphasized by repetition of the final line.

6.  Your presentations should run about 20 -25 minutes.  Frequent rehearsal will tell
you if you are in the ballpark.  Your Theater Group should create  a costume which
reflects the chosen theme.  This may be as simple as a single color.  

Suggestions:  Beauty, Truth, Justice, Oppression,  Family, Friendship, Seasons or Holidays, Future, City
Life, Country Life/ Nature,  Romance, Broken Hearts,  Music,  Anger, Hope and Faith, Sports, Childhood,
Old Age, Growing Up, Innocence, Death, Birth,  Heroism, Courage, Fear, School Days, Memories,
Loneliness and Solitude, Food,  Parents ,  Fate and Destiny, Travel, Greed and Materialism, Animals,
Work.....