Honors 230: Dramatic Reenactments Assignment

On Thursday, December 13 from 10:30-12:30, during our final exam period, groups from our class will present their final project: the “dramatic reenactment” of a scene from one of the texts we have read and discussed this semester.  While there is a brief description of this assignment on page 7 of the syllabus, we thought we would guide you with some particulars here.

This assignment requires you to

1. form a group;
2. choose a significant moment from one of our books;
3. assign reading “parts” to each of the group members;
4. be prepared to discuss why you chose it and what you were trying to convey in your enactment 

We have in mind that you will choose a scene that is “exemplary” – in both senses of the word. First, this means it will nicely illustrate some of the themes we have been discussing having to do with the place of the outcast or castaway in the global tradition of literature.  But second, the very fact that you chose it, that it speaks to you, suggests that it stands out in some way – that there is something extra or special about it.  Following the enactment, we would also like you (as a group) to articulate why you find it special or outstanding.

We encourage creativity! You can bring props, costumes, music, or whatever else you think will enhance the dramatic reenactment of this scene.  You may also alter the setting as you like (time, place, costumes, though please leave the language intact). Further, when we ask you in class to “do the voices,” an allusion to Charles Dickens, which is later picked up by T.S. Eliot, two writers well known in the British canon, we really want you to take on the personalities of the speaker, as you interpret them.  There are nuances to the literature we sometimes do not capture in our close readings and writing; some of these nuances can best be conveyed in the tone of your voice or the way you position your bodies.  While you do not need to memorize the lines, you do have to have a familiarity with them that allows you to read from your script comfortably. And while ours is not an acting class, we do expect you to try to read expressively, conveying the thoughts and emotions of the speaker as best you can.

Each presentation will take place on the final day we meet; we will organize them chronologically, so we may see perhaps an evolution in the concept of the castaway itself as we move forward in the literary tradition.  We will ask you to come to class prepared to share the members of your group as well as the moment you selected by Tuesday, November 27. Groups should be no bigger than 4, and no smaller than two. You can notify us before that date if you want to “reserve” a scene (we’ll allow you to duplicate texts, but not scenes; first group to contact us to let us know what scene you’ve chosen will get that scene).

On Tuesday, December 4, a short (1-page) write-up is due. Completed by the entire group (you might choose to use a collaborative format like Google docs), the write-up simply outlines why you chose what you did, who will play what part, and the idea and effects you hope to convey.

At that time, we will assign performance slots, and you will know precisely what to expect for the performance or reenactment on the 13^th.

We are looking forward to this!