Transcript No Slide Title

Performance
Presentation
Interpreting literature through
performance . . .
The Romantic poets let their imaginations soar
as they spoke to the ocean, to the wind, to the
folly and arrogance of humankind. Poetry is
filled with sounds and images that do not always
come through fully for the reader who is alone
with the text.
Performance
Presentation
Interpreting literature through
performance . . .
A performance presentation, using some
combination of speakers, images, sounds,
movement, and props, can reveal and heighten
the meaning of a piece of literature and add to
the pleasure of those experiencing the work.
Basics in a Box
Performance Presentation at a Glance
GUIDELINES & STANDARDS
A useful script will
• present an overall
description of the
setting, props, and
costumes if any
• include stage
directions to indicate
the specific gestures,
movements, and tone
of voice performers
should use
A successful presentation
will
• make and support a
valid interpretation of a
literary text
A successful performance
presentation needs
• a literary work chosen
for its performance
possibilities
• use voice, movement,
and facial expressions,
to enhance the
performance and
establish a mood
• a script marked for the
performance
• use props and
costumes, if
appropriate, to enrich
the audience’s
experience of the
literary work
• performers committed
to a particular
interpretation
• optional costumes,
props, sound effects,
music, and visuals
Creating Your Performance Presentation
1 Planning Your Performance
One ought, every day at least, to hear a
little song, read a good poem, see a fine
picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a
few reasonable words.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe,
German writer and poet
Creating Your Performance Presentation
1 Planning Your Performance
When choosing a literary work for your
performance presentation, you might
consider selecting a work that includes
one or more of the following:
 dramatic action
 rhythmic or musical language
 opportunities for collaboration with
one or more classmates
 compelling characters or setting
Developing Your Performance Presentation
1. Decide on the purpose of your
performance. Is it to add depth to the
literature’s exact wording? Is it to introduce
another point of view? For example, you could
present a dialogue between the subject and
the writer of “When We Two Parted” to give
the woman a chance to defend herself. Or
you might want to stage a debate between
Truth and Beauty, based on “Ode on a
Grecian Urn.”
Developing Your Performance Presentation
2. Decide on the mood and texture of the
performance. Do you want your audience to
get a sense of anger? joy? beauty? sadness?
3. Choose strategies for conveying your
message. Will you use props? lighting?
music? dance? other forms of
communication? How will the strategies you
use emphasize your interpretation?
Developing Your Performance Presentation
4.Consider your audience. What is their level
of familiarity with the text? How long is their
attention span? What special interests do they
have?
5.Think of what must be included in your
script. For example, if you use music, can
you vary the selections or must there be one
specific melody? How will you handle
entrances and exits if any are needed?
Creating Your Performance Presentation
2 Practicing and Presenting
Follow these steps as you prepare for
your performance:
 Memorize your presentation.
 Practice each gesture, tone of voice,
facial expression, and movement.
 If your script calls for props, be sure
they are available when you practice.
Creating Your Performance Presentation
2 Practicing and Presenting
 Time your presentation. Don’t wait until
you are standing in front of an audience
to find out if something is too long, too
short, or awkward.
 Practice with the music or other sounds
you’ve planned.
 Get feedback from peers you invite to
your practices. If they don't understand
your interpretation, you may wish to make
some changes before the performance.
Creating Your Performance Presentation
3 Refining Your Presentation
TARGET SKILL
EVALUATING YOUR INTERPRETIVE
CHOICE
After you have practiced your performance
presentation, think about your peer reviewers’
comments. Are all the elements you included
appropriate for your interpretation of the
selection? Do they fit the mood and
audience? Make any necessary changes.