2006-2007 Neighborhood Bridges Residency Program

(formerly the vittum learning partnership)

Stowe fine & performing arts academy, 7th grade

Inquiry Question:

"How can I use playwriting and performance to create new folklore that reflects my cultural background?"

Through a partnership between Adventure Stage Chicago (then known as the Vittum Theater) and Stowe Fine & Performing Arts Academy, the students examined different folk adaptations of Cinderella amd attended ASC's production of The Ash Girl, an adaptation of Cinderella by Timberlake Wertenbaker. Comparing these stories helped students identify themes and reflect on the ways that culture shapes a story. Through acting and creative writing exercises, students identified two major themes for their own folktales: immigration and street safety.

To prepare for their drama performances, students functioned as an ensemble, a team working together to achieve a group goal. Their devising process included:
    Tableaux - frozen body positions that capture moments in time through facial expression, gesture, levels, and touch
    Setting & Character Creation - moving, thinking, and responding in ways that show setting and character
    Monologue Writing - writing scenes in which one character speaks
    Dialogue Writing - writing scenes in which more that one character speaks

They then presented two original folktales that emerged from the process - one about the trials of two immigrant families, and another about two heroes, Leonardo and Raphael, who struggle to feel safe in their neighborhood. Using a collaborative process, every student contributed to the writing.


   

"Positive Impressions"

“The performance certianly left a positive impression on the students about attending and appreciating live performances! They are also more likely to pursue the reading of plays and novels upon which plays are based. The entire experience was extremely worthwhile, leaving a lasting, motivating impact.”

- Mary Vujic / James Ward Elementary 6th, 7th, 8th Grades