Devising - Martin McDonagh

This scheme is designed to offer a range of ideas for getting students started on devising their own work focusing on some of the work of controversial playwright Martin McDonagh. The scheme uses both on and off text work based on The Pillowman, The Beauty Queen of Leenane and The Lieutenant of Inishmore. As the sessions can be used to form a scheme of work over several weeks or as stand-alone lessons, the timings for each session are flexible. Some work may take thirty minutes or can be extended over a number of lessons. You can adapt and adjust things to your students who can also continue to explore work in their own rehearsals.

The main concept behind this scheme is to give students starting points from which to devise their own work. They might begin by examining loneliness and end up with a piece of work based on mental health. It is not necessary for students to read the texts; a plot summary and background information sheet will be sufficient.

At A level, students are required to be involved in a devised piece of work lasting no less than fifteen minutes, where students are assessed individually. The subject matter is of the student’s own choosing in response to stimulus materials. Students need to demonstrate their ability to collaborate to create an original piece of theatre.

This scheme offers ideas as a starting point to encourage students to devise work on a range of relevant themes.