This document provides guidance for a multi-part assignment analyzing a live theatrical performance. Students will: 1) Attend a live performance of a play. 2) Analyze performance elements like set, lighting, costumes and acting choices to understand the director's interpretation in a modern context. 3) Compare how the production was staged and interpreted to how it may have been performed in the original performance conditions.

1. Unit 4:
Section C
To use a live performance to explore the way we analyse
and evaluate
To build an understanding of the modern context so that
we can eventually compare to original context

2. One question = 30 marks
O Compare the live performance you have
seen with how it may have been staged in
its original performance conditions.
O NOT a ‘Shakespeare’ question

3. Step 1
O Watch a live performance.

4. Step 2
O Analyse the performance in a modern
context.
O i.e. what themes / relationships / character
traits were highlighted and how does that
comment on today?

5. Step 3
O Compare that production and how it was
interpreted and staged with how it might
have been done in Shakespeare’s day.

6. Step 4
O Always talk about the effect:
O On you
O On an original audience

7. Effect
O What does it mean?

8. Original
Context
Modern
Context

9. What do you need to do with
the modern context?
O For this section, students will need to see
a live production of
the chosen play and evaluate the
performance elements that
contributed to their understanding of the
director’s interpretation in this
performance.

10. O For this section, students will need to see
a live production of the chosen play and
evaluate the performance elements that
contributed to their understanding of the
director’s interpretation in this
performance.
Basically – how did the set, lights, sound,
costume, acting choices etc help you
understand the director’s comment on
now.

11. Othello
O Set
O Lighting
O Sound
O Costume
O Acting

12. Choice
Effect
To make the
To make them
witches wear rags seem grotesque
and dirt
Context
As modern
audience believes
less in
‘supernatural’

13. Watch a live performance
10 marks
= SCHP
Detailed – 6
categories of
design, acting
and overall
interp
Analyse choice and effect –
context and interpretation etc
Compare with OPC
Detailed
research