The Critical Analysis Process
Grade: 2
Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
1. Identify the main idea or theme of the drama
2. Analyse the body language used in the tableau (levels, body position, , posture) as a way to express the main idea or theme
3. Analyse the use of space in the tableau (close, far, stage area) as a way to express the main idea or theme
Critical Analysis Process
Initial Reaction
1.What does this tableau bring to mind? What does it remind you of?
2. What grabbed your attention about this tableau? (costumes, lighting, formation, music)
3. What puzzles you?
Description
1. What do you sense when you examine the work?
2. How are the actors placed on stage?
3. What part of the tableau was most significant to you?
Analysis and Interpretation
1. What is the key message or meaning of this tableau? How do you know?
2. What do you still wonder?
3. How the the spacing of each actor important to the tableau?
4. What title would you give to this tableau?
Expression of Informed Point of View
1. How effective is this tableau overall?
2. What works well? What doesn’t work well and why?
3. How can this tableau be improved?
This video is a tableau called, Stages of Life. It is part of a greater production presented by The Club Inclusion from Nova Scotia. They are an organization that “ give people who have different abilities a platform and place to share talents and skills.”In the summer of 2016 their members created and performed a performance of the Stages of Life.
I have chosen this video because it is a short video of a tableau that is appropriate for primary students. As defined by the Ministry of Education, a tableau is “A group of silent, motionless figures used to represent a scene, theme, or abstract idea (e.g., peace, joy), or an important moment in a narrative. Tableaux may be presented as stand-alone images to communicate one specific message or may be used to achieve particular effects in a longer drama work. Important features of a tableau include character, space, gesture, facial expressions, and levels.” (OME, 2009, p. 172). It shows a diverse cast and simple demonstration of a tableau. The tableau has a variety of moments that individually tells a story, and together depicts a greater topic. Each performer is connected to their small group, and shows a well thought out relationship to the next. There are many levels, and they use the most of the space between each actor. The formation of the a line moves the eyes across the stage, but also demonstrated the timeline of one’s life. Connecting to the Grade 2 curriculum, they are learning about characters and how to portray the feelings and thoughts of a character (OME, 2009). The levels, body position, posture are some ways students can depict a character and their relationship to others and their surrounding. This video is significant because everyone is participating in the tableau, and demonstrate that anyone can do drama.
Ontario Ministry of Education (2009). Curriculum Guidelines: The Arts. www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/arts18b09curr.pdf
