EPISODE 3: The Curse!

Lesson 1 (Grade 3) Superstitions and “The Scottish Play”

Lesson Description: Theatre has a very long history of more than 2500 years. Rumors of the curse of ”Macbeth” started shortly after Shakespeare wrote the play, and have now been passed down for centuries. You might raise an eyebrow thinking it isn’t real…but why risk it? Students learn some of theatre’s history, legends and superstitions and create a series of tableaux of the curse of “The Scottish Play.”

Key Concepts - Theatre has a long history going back 2500 years. - Theatre includes legends and superstitions that are passed from one generation to the next. - Creating tableaux of the superstition of “The Scottish Play”

Warm-up Review - Video Episode 3: The Curse o What is a legend? What is a superstition? Do you know any? o What are some of the superstitions and legends mentioned?

Main Event Superstitions - Use the curse of “The Scottish Play” and identify the three parts of a superstition: o Warning – don’t do something o Consequence – something will happen o Antidote – something to fix what happened

- Divide the class into three working groups, which will each create a tableau of part of the superstition. o Incorporate gesture and expression in your characters to tell the story

- Each group shares their tableau with the class - Have the students improvise some action and dialogue based on what they know about the superstition.

Options - Put all three scenes together with the dialogue to create a short play.

Reflection: Discussion o Why are there legends and superstitions in theatre? o How and why do they get passed along over years and centuries?

Vocabulary: superstition, legend, consequence, antidote, fiction, “The Scottish Play”, dialogue, action, gesture, expression NTS 7: Analyzing and explaining personal preferences and constructing meanings from classroom dramatizations and from theatre, film, TV and electronic media

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