7 Stages of Grieving
“Why does this play matter in the world in
which we live?”
7 Stages of Grieving 2015 Queensland
Theatre Company Performance
O Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRnmn
JV6C_c
What have we been doing
again?
In your study you have been looking at:
O how voices and/or images are represented
through texts
O questioning your understanding of history
O how techniques create meaning
O the way the voices and/or images from
history impact our present
What do I do?
O The question in the speech
stipulates that you
demonstrate your personal
understanding of the text and
argue why it has meaning in
your own context
Remember
O The speech must be between 3-4
minutes in length
What things do I need to
mention?
O First and foremost your discussion must be
underpinned by TECHNIQUES from the play
O These can be traditional literary techniques
such as simile or metaphor
AND
Stagecraft/ Dramatic Techniques
The can include things such as stage
directions, monologue, set design, lighting,
props, creation of a soundscape,
characterisation and many others
What is the difference between a ‘voice from
the past’ and an ‘image from the past’?
O A ‘voice from the past’ is essentially referring
to the creation of a perspective. This voice
(perspective) from the past presents an
alternative viewpoint to what accept as
‘accurate’ perspective of past events
O An ‘image from the past’ is referring to a
literal or imagined ‘snapshot’ from the past.
An image is a ‘static’ or fixed representation
from the past.
Which one do I choose then?
O You need to discuss both images and voices
from the past
O To really effectively answer the question you
need to identify either a voice/image from
the past and argue how it challenges our
version of history that we have accepted as
fact
Analysing a ‘voice’ from the
past
When dicussing a ‘voice’ from the past you
need to follow the process outlined below
O How is a voice created in a text?
(Techniques, dramatic features)
O What is the voice saying? (Values and
meaning, what are we supposed to learn?)
O How does this challenge our understanding
of history?
O How does this impact our present?
Analysing an image from the
past
When discussing an ‘image from the past’ in the
play you must follow the process outlined below:
O How are images created in a text? (techniques,
dramatic features)
O What is the image conveying (values and
meaning, what are we supposed to learn?)
O How does this challenge our understanding of
history?
O How does this impact our present?
Starting the speech
O To score into the higher ranges you must
engage your audience, this means that you
have to maintain eye contact, vary your
voice, and project with clarity and
confidence
O A good way to start the speech would be
starting with a clear point about the
relevance of this play in our current society
What does that look like?
O You could refer to the current media debate
surrounding Adam Goodes and the racism in
Australia
O You might refer to the facts or statistics
regarding Aboriginal deaths in custody, poor
rates of numeracy and literacy or lower life
expectancy for Aboriginal people
O ENGAGE your audience, start your speech with
something that will engage your audience and
keep their interest sustained for the duration of
your speech
Structure
O The structure of the play is experimental as it draws
on modern elements of contemporary theatre.
O It has 22 different scenes or segments, which vary in
length from one line to two pages. Each brings a
different type of performance to the stage.
O It does not follow a linear structure as it goes back
and forth in time from the current day, to 1788 and
back again.
O It does not follow one story, or even one character
from beginning to end, nor does it finish with a
complete climax.
Structure-continued
O There is a balance between humorous and serious scenes.
O Silence is a motif in the play that is used to dramatise the
sense of profound grief and loss
O As it is a modern play, it doesn’t conclude with a
substantive ending, it asks the audience to continue the
discussion of the issues explored in the play in their own
lives.
O The last line of the play is “I feel nothing”, which tells us
very little in terms of a resolution. Perhaps the only
conclusion is that Aboriginal people have the right and
obligation to express their sorrow and tell their version of
the past. They will continue to look back to the past to
inspire them to continue the fight for equality and
reconciliation.
What will I be marked on?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Techniques- you will be marked on how well you
have selected evidence AND analysed how these
techniques contribute to your understanding of
images and/or voices from the past
Demonstrate your personal understanding of the
play and how it relates to the modern world
Structure- your speech needs to be well-organised
and have a logical sequence
Presentation- you need to consistently make eye
contact, vary the pitch and tone of your voice and
engage the people sitting in front of you!