Historical Play Project: Day1; Picasso at the Lapin Agile: Day 2

Lab: (1st Period)

Writing a historical play:
5 Lessons Learnt In Writing a Historical Play (video)

Research your topic by choosing one of these areas and learning about it. Take notes of things, people, or places from that time period that you find interesting.

• Elizabethan Period
• Elizabethan Period & Historical Figures & Events
• American Colonialism
• Famous African Americans
• British/English Historical Figures
• Ancient Greek Figures
• Historical Asian Figures
• Famous Egyptians
• Famous Hispanic Leaders/Events
• Famous Female Leaders
• Famous historical leaders
• Chinese Dynasties
• Roman Historical Figures
• Historical Periods & Important Events
• Lesser Known American History
• Famous Inventors
• Famous Artists

Once you have chosen a time period for your setting, consider HOW you will plot your story. How many scenes will you write? How may you combine time and scenes to tell your story? Consider:

Plot: (what happens on stage) off stage is part of the story, not part of the plot

a.     Pick a historical person, or set your play in a historical time period. Your play may deal with a fictional protagonist(s) in an otherwise historical setting. 

b.     Ask: Where would you start a play? Each writer will start a plot somewhere different. Write a short play with that plot in mind. Example:

Four ways of writing plot (choose one or two):

1. Linear (syllogistic): events happen in chronological order 
2. Circular: events start at a point in time then flashback and come back to the present by the end of the play.
3. Pattern plot: event, event, event, then repeat 1st event, 2nd event, 3rd event, etc. Your plot should form a specific pattern.
4. Genre/archetype: impose one genre or form on another. Combine mystery, romance, western, musical, realist, etc. Include a wedding, funeral, or graduation. Alternate celebrations with tragedy and vice versa. If we look at Henry V as an example, the play ends with a wedding after a terrible battle. Take the same plot, but include elements of the generic genre or archetype.

Choose a plot from George Polti and write a PREMISE for your play. Keep your PREMISE at the top  of your play as you begin to write. Remember what your story is supposed to be about. Have characters add detail and characterization through dialogue and monologues.

Today in the lab, create a working title, a cast list, and premise. If you can, get a setting, decide on your structure (how long will the play be? 1 scene, 2 scenes, 2 acts?) and once you have an inciting incident, begin writing.

This assignment is not due yet.

2nd Period: We will continue our reading of Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

HOMEWORK: Work on your play scripts.