Interpreting literature through performance... The Romantic poets let their imaginations soar as they spoke to the ocean, to the wind, to the folly and arrogance of humankind. Poetry is filled with sounds and images that do not always come through fully for the reader who is alone with the text. Performance Presentation

Interpreting literature through performance... A performance presentation, using some combination of speakers, images, sounds, movement, and props, can reveal and heighten the meaning of a piece of literature and add to the pleasure of those experiencing the work. Performance Presentation

B a s i c s i n a B o x GUIDELINES & STANDARDS Performance Presentation at a Glance A useful script will present an overall description of the setting, props, and costumes if any include stage directions to indicate the specific gestures, movements, and tone of voice performers should use A successful presentation will make and support a valid interpretation of a literary text use voice, movement, and facial expressions, to enhance the performance and establish a mood use props and costumes, if appropriate, to enrich the audience’s experience of the literary work A successful performance presentation needs a literary work chosen for its performance possibilities a script marked for the performance performers committed to a particular interpretation optional costumes, props, sound effects, music, and visuals

One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German writer and poet One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German writer and poet Creating Your Performance Presentation 1 Planning Your Performance

Creating Your Performance Presentation 1 Planning Your Performance When choosing a literary work for your performance presentation, you might consider selecting a work that includes one or more of the following: dramatic action rhythmic or musical language opportunities for collaboration with one or more classmates compelling characters or setting

Developing Your Performance Presentation 1. Decide on the purpose of your performance. Is it to add depth to the literature’s exact wording? Is it to introduce another point of view? For example, you could present a dialogue between the subject and the writer of “When We Two Parted” to give the woman a chance to defend herself. Or you might want to stage a debate between Truth and Beauty, based on “Ode on a Grecian Urn.”

Developing Your Performance Presentation 2. Decide on the mood and texture of the performance. Do you want your audience to get a sense of anger? joy? beauty? sadness? 3. Choose strategies for conveying your message. Will you use props? lighting? music? dance? other forms of communication? How will the strategies you use emphasize your interpretation?

Developing Your Performance Presentation 4.Consider your audience. What is their level of familiarity with the text? How long is their attention span? What special interests do they have? 5.Think of what must be included in your script. For example, if you use music, can you vary the selections or must there be one specific melody? How will you handle entrances and exits if any are needed?

Creating Your Performance Presentation 2 Practicing and Presenting Follow these steps as you prepare for your performance: Memorize your presentation. Practice each gesture, tone of voice, facial expression, and movement. If your script calls for props, be sure they are available when you practice.

Creating Your Performance Presentation 2 Practicing and Presenting Time your presentation. Don’t wait until you are standing in front of an audience to find out if something is too long, too short, or awkward. Practice with the music or other sounds you’ve planned. Get feedback from peers you invite to your practices. If they don't understand your interpretation, you may wish to make some changes before the performance.

3 Refining Your Presentation TARGET SKILL EVALUATING YOUR INTERPRETIVE CHOICE After you have practiced your performance presentation, think about your peer reviewers’ comments. Are all the elements you included appropriate for your interpretation of the selection? Do they fit the mood and audience? Make any necessary changes. Creating Your Performance Presentation