Curricular Resources > 1993 Volume III > Unit 10 (93.03.10) > Section 6

Twentieth-Century Multicultural Theater

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 93.03.10

Unit Guide

Remember the Time: An Exploration of History Through Drama

Nicolette W. Perrault

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QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:

ACT I

1. The opening scenes take place in a classroom. How is this ideally appropriate for setting the tone of the play?
2. Almost immediately we are faced with an argument? What is the nature of the debate?
3. Let’s take a minute or two to read both closing arguments. What is your reaction to each?
4. Now let’s have a vote on the proposition. All those in favor raise your hand. Now, the opposed.
5. At the beginning of the play were you aware of the ethnicity of the participants? Were there any clues?
6. When Mr. M leaves why do you suppose the two young people feel awkward and uncomfortable?
7. As the two young people become more relaxed and converse more, what points are revealed about their characters? What do we learn about them?
8. How does Isabel view school as opposed to the way Thami views it?
9. Thami’s resentment towards Mr. M is slightly revealed. Why does he resent him?
10. Let’s examine Isabel’s monologue on pages 14-18. She gives a full account of her version of how she envisions the town. How does she see herself in relation to the town, her family, and the South Africans of which she has come in contact? Going into the debate what were some of her Preconceptions about South Africans? (P. 16) What thoughts ran through her mind when she saw the classroom? Seeing the ungrateful faces of the students made Isabel realize what?
11. In scene 3 when Mr. M. enters, on what level does he address Isabel? On what level does she regard him?
12. The seed is planted in Isabel though she is not yet aware of it. It is based on the one thing that most troubles Mr. M. What is that?
13. What news does Mr. M share with Isabel, and why is he surprised by her reaction?
14. What serves Isabel’s motive for agreeing to the contest?
15. Why was Isabel’s mom nervous when she learned of her daughter’s eagerness to Participate in the contest?
16. Why does Mr. M feel that he shouldn’t ask but rather tell Thami about the contest?
17. How is Mr. M ‘s love for Thami revealed?
18. Read Mr. M’s monologue on pages 26-29. What do we learn about him? Why is he a teacher? what is his greatest fear?
19. In scene 5 when Isabel brings up Freedom of Speech to Mr. M look at his response. “I’ve given him plenty of Freedom within reasonable limits, but he never uses it.” what do You think about that?
20. Mr. M anticipates danger, How does he try to get Isabel to become a party to his conspiracy?
21. When Thami arrives we see that the relationship between him and Isabel has grown. How is this revealed?
22. As the study session begins, what is your impression?
23. There is a shift in focus during the study session. Thami reveals his views about freedom. what is Mr. M’s reaction?
24. How does Mr. M regard the struggle of South Africans?
25. Why can’t Thami talk to Mr. M? Why can’t he make him listen?
26. What happened in Kliptown in 1955, in Sharpville in March of 1960, and Soweto on the 16th of June in 1976?

ACT 2

27. What is Isabel’s reaction to Thami’s decision to withdraw from the competition?
28. Isn’t it uncanny how both the young people view the changes that are taking place around them. Explain the thinking behind both perspectives.
29. Later in this scene Thami tells Isabel that he can no longer be seen with her. Explain the irony of the situation.
30. Thami and Mr. M confront each other. What information about developing conditions is revealed here?
31. What fears do Mr. M reveal in his monologue?
32. In scene three why does Thami go to the school?
33. What does Mr. M confess to Thami?
34. Mr. M predestines Thami’s future..... How?
35. At the end of scene three did You expect that startling outcome?
36. In scene four describe the action that takes place between Thami and Isabel.
37. More details of Mr. M’s death are given to us from Isabel. According to witnesses how was Mr. M killed?
38. Isabel desperately needs to understand what has happened and why. what does Thami tell her to help her understand the events that have transpired?
39. what do Thami and Isabel both reveal to each other?
40. How does Mr. M’s prediction come true in the end?

WEEK 9: LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!

During this week students will be presenting their final projects. The first three days of the week will be devoted to the presentation of monologues and scenes. Selections for the dramatic performances will be taken from the plays read in class. The third day of the week will be set aside for the presentation of projects not necessarily of a dramatic nature. (Research projects, essays, and artistic displays.) Performances will be evaluated in the following areas: interpretation, memorization, movement, and characterization.

The maximum amount of quality points which can be achieved for a performance is 16. This is based on receiving a score of 4, excellent, in each category. On the fourth day of the week. students will review their notes and ask specific questions as a means of preparing for the exam. The exam will be administered on Friday. This exam will mark the end of the unit.

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