Aboriginal Dreamtime as a theatrical tradition

This scheme of work covers many aspects of the International Baccalaureate Theatre Arts programme. The main focus of the scheme is an exploration of Aboriginal dreamtime stories and the theatrical tradition of telling these incredible tales. By following this scheme, students will learn about dreamtime traditions and concepts, as well as exploring some of their fascinating stories such as How the birds got their colours and Dunbi the owl. The scheme also makes links to Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker which explores the impact of the first convicts to arrive on Australian shores. This play also ties in well with any explorations you might choose to do on Brecht (although this will not be discussed here).

By completing this scheme students will fulfil many of the core elements for the IB Theatre Arts course. They will be studying one of the two contrasting theatrical practices from around the world which are expected as part of the course; they will need to work independently therefore exposing them to many of the skills and disciplines required for their independent project and finally they will be creating two performances in different roles which is also a requirement of the IBO core programme. In my experience this exploration is a highlight for my IB students – they enjoy learning about such a vibrant and interesting theatre tradition and thoroughly involve themselves in the harsh but wonderful stories of the dreamtime. The two practical challenges which are at the core of this scheme of work are very stretching but rewarding tasks that can be massively influential for work in the second year and always plays a major focus in their theatre performance and production presentation at the end of year two.

Please note that students need to have read and explored Our Country’s Good prior to starting this scheme of work.

Learning objectives:

• To explore in detail one unfamiliar world theatrical tradition
• To create two performances, one of which will be a solo performance
• To recognise and evaluate the skills and disciplines required for further independent and research projects
• To record ideas, research and reflections as part of their on-going theatre journal. This should hopefully play a major part in the Theatre Performance and Production presentation given by students in year two of the course
• To make links with other texts and practitioners

Number of lessons: 15