Macbeth
Macbeth (ages 13-14)
This scheme of work introduces Shakespeare’s famous Scottish play to the students. Readings of extracts from the play are explored through a number of drama forms to help the students engage with the script, the plot and the characters. Theatrical forms include improvisation, physical theatre, frozen pictures, split scenes and mime.
The scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.
- Lesson 1: Castles. Students look at castles and use physical theatre to portray different moods and atmospheres.
- Lesson 2: Introduction to Macbeth. The opening to Shakespeare’s famous plot is introduced through a visualisation exercise and a class soundscape of the heath and the sea.
- Lesson 3: Macbeth’s Motivation. Props are used to support an improvisation session with characters from the play (props are included!), and the introduction of Lady Macbeth.
- Lesson 4: A Guilty Feeling. The concept of guilt is explored through mime, as the plot develops in Act 3, Scene 4.
- Lesson 5: The Prophecy Fulfilled. The end of the play is covered with a slow motion fight sequence performed with limited dialogue.
- Lesson 6: Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s Downfall. A whole class improvisation is used to help understand the role of Lady Macbeth and her part in Macbeth’s downfall.
Supporting materials include
- Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 3
- Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 7
- Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 5
- Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 8
- Cut-out props
Additional resources are included in the appendices
- End Of Unit Self-Assessment Form
The document is supplied as a PDF file, readable on most computers.
