Character: Irena Sendler

"Irena implores the humanitarian to continue her legacy"

Above image souced at - https://www.warhistoryonline.com/instant-articles/irena-sendler-saved-children.html

Stimulus:  The life and humanitarian work of Irena Sendler

Character: Irena Sendler

Performance focus:  

Create a solo performance based on the person Irena Sendler. In the 20th century, amid another world crisis, an aged Irena is called on by a desperate humanitarian for inspiration and guidance. Aghast that the world has learnt nothing from the horrors of World War II, Irena implores the humanitarian to continue her legacy. Irena does this by:

• showing moments from her early life that influenced her later work
• highlighting her heroic actions and the times she avoided being detected by the authorities
• creating a parallel with another real person who has saved the lives of many others.

Performance Style:  Eclectic with aspects of Epic Theatre

Eclectic theatre draws on a range of performance styles to devise performances that go beyond the reality of life as it is lived. It juxtaposes a number of performance styles to make dramatic statements and theatre that is innovative, transformational and creative. Eclectic theatre is devised with a specific purpose and intention for the audience. Eclectic theatre draws on drama traditions and practice including:

• ritual and storytelling
• contemporary drama practice and performance styles
• the work of drama practitioners and associated performance styles
• a combination of any of the above.

Epic Theatre, sometimes called Brechtian theatre, is a style of theatre that seeks to tell a story, often on a large historical scale and including a number of people and events over time. It aims to engage the intellect rather than emotions and often uses devices that alienate the audience. Epic Theatre is exemplified by:

• direct address and/or the use of narration and song as commentary
• use of signs, mask, stylised gesture and movement
• deliberate and conscious choices intended to remind the audience that they are watching a play.

​Convention & Dramatic Element:  As selected by the student from the list (linked here).  Write your selected convention and dramatic element on your Statement of Intention.

Mr Boon's Notes