Coward Punch -  Brecht And Non-naturalism

Coward Punch - Brecht And Non-naturalism

Lesson 4 of 8 in this unit

  • Secondary
  • Year 9 - 10
  • The Arts
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Social
  • Mental Health
  • Physical Health
  • Social Action
  • ...

Lesson summary

In this lesson, students learn about the power of Brechtian techniques in performance. By examining Danny Green’s ‘Stop the Coward Punch’ advertising campaign, the class reflects on how Brechtian techniques are used to create emotional effect for the audience. 

Learning intentions:

Students will...

  • understand the non-naturalistic techniques of Brechtian (Epic) Theatre
  • examine how Brechtian techniques are still used today
  • analyse a STOP the Coward Punch promotional video referencing Brechtian and non-naturalistic techniques.

Success criteria:

Students can...

  • identify Brechtian techniques used in the STOP the Coward’s Punch advertising campaign
  • work productively in a group to create a piece of social activist theatre
  • apply Brechtian techniques in performance.

Lesson guides and printables

Lesson Plan
Student Worksheet
Teacher Content Info

Lesson details

Curriculum mapping

Australian curriculum content descriptions: 

Years 9 & 10 Drama:

  • Evaluate how the elements of drama, forms and performance styles in devised and scripted drama convey meaning and aesthetic effect (ACADRR052)
  • Improvise with the elements of drama and narrative structure to develop ideas, and explore subtext to shape devised and scripted drama (ACADRM047)
  • Structure drama to engage an audience through manipulation of dramatic action, forms and performance styles and by using design elements (ACADRM050)

Syllabus outcomes: DRAM5.1.4, DRAP5.2.1, DRAP5.2.3, DRAA5.3.1

General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking

Relevant parts of Years 9 & 10 achievement standards: 
Students analyse the elements of drama, forms and performance styles and evaluate meaning and aesthetic effect in drama they devise, interpret, perform and view. They perform devised and scripted drama in different forms, styles and performance spaces. They collaborate with others to plan, direct, produce, rehearse and refine performances. They select and use the elements of drama, narrative and structure in directing and acting to engage audiences.

This lesson is part of the wider unit of work STOP the Coward Punch: Arts – Years 7 to 10

Time required: 60 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: A medium level of teacher scaffolding is required in this lesson. The teacher will facilitate class discussion and observe groups interacting, encouraging their creativity.

Resources required

  • Device with internet, audio and projection capabilities
  • Student Worksheet – one copy per student

Skills

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Creativity
  • Empathy
  • Problem solving
  • Collaboration

Additional info

These resources have been designed in partnership with Danny Green's STOP the Coward's Punch campaign.

Danny Green’s STOP the Coward Punch campaign was started in 2012 with the aim of raising awareness of the devastating effects of the coward punch on the community, including the physical and mental scars survivors, families and friends are left with for life.

STOP the Coward Punch believes in the right of all people to enjoy themselves, safely and free from violence. With support from entertainers, athletes, community leaders, politicians and everyday Australians, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the simple precautions we – as a community and as individuals – can take to ensure safe and enjoyable outings and, ultimately, reduce the number of coward punch occurrences in our communities.

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