Monday, September 24, 2018

'Night Mother; Oleanna

Period 1:

Brainstorm some themes or topics for a play that might be important subject matter for a play. Outline your idea. Be prepared to share your idea with the class next class. Consider:
  • Where would the action of the play take place?
  • Would you have a single act or several? A single scene, or several? Why?
  • What would be the basic PREMISE of your play?
  • What characters would be needed to tell your story? 
  • Would the play end happily or tragically? What are some reasons why this would be your best choice?
Open your 'Night Mother notes/analysis of the play from our Google classroom. Prepare to submit your notes by the end of class today. We will finish our analysis and reading of the play 'Night Mother.

Period 2ish:

Having read and thought about facts/details about suicide (see our previous post), how does the playwright use some of this statistical information in her play? Can you find specific examples or lines where she has her characters discuss this information in a more informal way? Is the playwright successful in presenting her audience with a powerful message? What was your reaction to the play 'Night Mother. What did you learn about playwriting from reading this play? Discuss.

With time remaining in the class, we will begin reading the 2-person play by David Mamet: Oleanna.

David Mamet (you can learn more about this writer by clicking on the link and reading his short bio) is a popular playwright, screenwriter, novel writer, and director. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 for Glengarry Glen Ross. His most recent plays include November (with Nathan Lane) in 2008, Race in 2009, and HBO's production of the series Phil Spector (2013) with Al Pacino & Helen Mirren.


Our next play will be Oleanna by David Mamet. William H. Macy starred in the original production (and the movie based on the play). Read a little about the play on the script. Sign up for various roles as we read today. In particular, we will be discussing Mamet's use and style of writing dialogue.

HOMEWORK: None. Bring Oleanna back with you to our next class.

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