theatre
in education tour to schools |
21
February - 11 March 2005
Animal Farm
based
on the novel by George Orwell
adapted by Jim Bywater
A touring theatre visits a school to do a rehearsed reading of Animal Farm. A crisis arises and the actors (Alex, Connor and Beth) decide to form a breakaway company and do their own version of Animal Farm called Muriel’s Diary. Thus they create their own ‘independent state’ which has to survive in the world of theatrical endeavour.
This adaptation follows Orwell’s original text closely and brings his amazing world of rebellious talking animals and their troubles to life; drawing parallels with the events in Russian history between 1917 and 1943.
Animal Farm will complement the GCSE English curriculum as George Orwell is a prescribed author for AQA English, and Animal Farm is a set text for Edexcel English Literature. The show is also provides students of Drama with a variety of set and characterisation techniques for analysis and inspiration.
suitability:
Key Stage 3+
duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Production
Photographs by Nobby Clark
|
The Spring 2005 tour of Animal Farm received positive feedback from teachers: "I enjoyed the textual interpretation, actors’ energy and enthusiasm and the style of the performance. Loved the masks, sliding screens, multi-role-playing and use of sound. Excellent experience! All the kids spoken to loved the show and had a really positive morning." - Class Teacher, The King John School "I enjoyed the style, economy, pace, range of techniques and the comedy. We were very impressed and keen to see more productions including the autumn run of the same programme. Thanks to all of you for the experience - nice people to do business with." - Head of Performing Arts, The Ockendon School |
