Twelfth NightAct 1 Scenes 1 and 2
A suggested sequence of lessons on the first three scenes, probably for a more able class.
The class is divided into groups of about five or six.
Each group is either A or B.
Groups A are issued with the leaflet THE DUKE IN LOVE.
Groups B are issued with the leaflet VIOLA AND THE CAPTAIN.
In addition, specific ROLES within the groups could be allocated.
Each group has the task of preparing a presentation of one of the first two scenes from Twelfth Night. Instructions are on the leaflets. This preparation will probably take two lessons, followed by one lesson for presentations. They will probably also need a homework or two in order to prepare props, familiarise themselves with their lines, etc.
There is also one individual written homework, printed on the back of the leaflet, which can be set at some stage.
During the preparation, the teacher can do some oral assessment, as well as popping in the odd extra question/suggestion if invention is flagging (How old do you think Orsino/the Captain is?).
After the presentations, discuss with the class issues arising from the different ways of doing the scenes.
Then ask the class:
Which of these scenes should come first, and why?
(If they have seen a production and claim to know already, tell them that the order is often inverted in production.)
When they have decided that (they may not all agree), ask:
How would you get from one to the other (a) on a modern stage (b) on Shakespeare‘s stage?
They then write up individual answers to these questions for homework.
Those who don't know the play could be asked: How might the story line develop from here?
Then go on to class-teach Act 1 Scene 3, bringing out elements of contrast: prose, comedy, nature of characters, pace, etc.
