This week has been very busy with a trip, me being at a meeting during the day and my student teacher trying to get her lessons taught and report card time!
I made time on Friday to work on our opera. The goal was to focus on having the students know the lines, speaking chorally and saying them expressively. This alone took us the entire afternoon which I didn't think it would. The students still require alot of practise speaking clearly, together and expressively. We listened to the songs and most of the students know them. We didn't get to practising the movement that was practised last week because we ran out to time.
Because our songs were broken up, at times there are only 2 lines that need to be sung. I had the students repeat it twice so it soungs like a song. Sedina and Adam, you can decide on Monday if this is necessary. As for the students who are drumming or using the shakers, I had them sing along only if they were not drumming for that part. This helped with projection.
I will practise once again on Monday. IF the students know the songs and their lines then it will make it easier to practise the movements.
See you on Monday.
Sona
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Anansi Learns An Important Lesson
Anansi Learns An Important Lesson
Onstage we five groups of villagers. Group 1 is downstage right, Group 2 is upstage right, Group 3 upstage centre, Group 4 is upstage left and Group 5 is downstage left. All groups are carving a drum (one person from each group acts as the drum that is being carved).
Grade 2 class performs their piece onstage as villagers look on and actively participate. When the class is finished, everyone applauds.
Anansi lounges lazily centre stage.
Movement Piece
(As group 1 of drummers drum, the villagers are doing their daily pdrum carving activities. Anansi lazes about. Group 1 drums through out this first section piece.)
First part of the Song 1
Villagers (all):
We carve our drums all day
Anansi turns his head away.
Anansi 1:
Working hard is not for me
Tricking people is the key
The charming spider that I am
I get my way whenever I can
As small as I appear to be
I’m very smart … just wait and see!
Beginning – in Guinea
Anansi 1: My fellow villagers, gather around. All villagers gather close to Anansi.
Villagers 1: Yes Anansi. What do you want from us now?
Anansi 1: I have a small request to ask of you. I need your help.
Villagers 2: What kind of help are you looking for?
Anansi: Well I need to carve a drum for the emperor. He will be paying me with gold. If you help me, I will share the gold with all of you.
Villagers 3: Anansi, is this another trick to get us to do all of your work for you?
Anansi: Of course not! I would never trick my fellow villagers.
Villagers 1: Okay Anansi. We’ll do this for you one last time because we would like to have some gold. If this is a trick though we will make you pay!
Anansi: I’ll take the drums along with me.
And bring back all the gold you’ll see.
One villager steps forward with the gold. (They should have this prop from the beginning.)
Anansi: Go and rest now because you have worked so hard. I will take care of everything!
Villagers go back to their original spots.
Anansi scampers off stage right
Villagers (not in unison):Where’s Anansi? He took our gold!
Villagers (all):
Selfishness fills his greedy heart.
Happily he goes to make a brand new start.
Groups 1 and Group 5 change places. All groups do their respective farming activities and sing as they are doing them.
Anansi weaves around the groups to upstage right, then goes to group 5. One villager is examining the potion bottle (They should have this prop at the beginning of the show.)
Middle – In Sierra Leone
Movement Piece
(As group 2 drums their rhythm, the farmers do their farming movements in rhythm. Group 2 drums through out quietly.)
Farmers (all):
Anansi arrives in Sierra Leone
(Anansi walks among them and discovers the magic potion.)
Farmers (all):
He sees a potion that makes things grow
Villagers gives him the potion.
Anansi: I hope the potion works. If I were bigger, no one would make fun of me
(Anansi drinks the potion)
Anansi 1: gulp gulp gulp gulp….ahhhhh! Oh what’s happening….I am feeling kind of weird. I think the potion is working!
KPOM! (drums!) All of a sudden Anansi is big!
Farmers (all):
A gulp of potion makes him tall
Now he feels like the king of all!
Anansi: I better run away before the farmers return and realize that I tricked them. They will be very angry!
(Anansi runs away)
Anansi goes to upstage right.
Farmers 1: I wonder if the crops have grown
Farmers 2: Let’s go see if the spider has finished spraying the crops
All Farmers: Oh NO!
Farmers 3: What has happened? What has Anansi done?
All Farmers: Where is he?
Farmers 1: Our crops have not grown!
Farmers 2: I think that we’ve been tricked.
All Farmers: (general expressions of disappointment)
Farmers (all):
Eight legs he has to do things faster
We didn’t think it would be a disaster
(Sadly the farmers walk away. Shaking their heads in disappointment.)
Farmers now become trees and animals like forest. Lion slinks out from group 3 to meet Anansi. (Should have a bag of coco beans) Anansi comes from upstage centre to meet lion.
Ending – in Ghana
Movement Piece
(Group 3 drummers (shakers) provide a rhythm as the chorus becomes a living forest. Shakers shake through out this section.)
(Anansi is walking proudly, hopping along tossing his bag of gold in the air. The evil lion is watching from the corner around the bush.)
Evil Lion: You’re pretty small for a spider
Anansi: NO, I’m not!
Evil Lion: I know of a way that you can become the biggest insect in the forest
Anansi: REALLY? How?
Evil Lion: I know of some magical cocoa beans that can do this
Anansi: Where is it?
Evil Lion: They’re growing on the largest tree closest to the Niger River. Look, can you see it?
Anansi: Ummm, I don’t think I can see it
Evil Lion: Don’t worry, if you get lost, just ask my villagers. In return for this secret, you must give me a few pieces of your gold
Anansi: Here you go.
Anansi gives Lion a few pieces of gold.
(And off he goes happily on his journey as the Evil Lion is laughing.)
Lion goes to upstage left and watches the scenes unfold.
Anansi: Walking, walking tall and lean
Villagers 1: Walking, walking all day long
(He comes across a group of villagers who are cooking a meal)
Groups 1 & 2 come forward to centre and are cooking a meal. Two people become the pot they are cooking.
Anansi: I’m lost. Can you help me get to the Niger River?
Villagers 1: Only if you give us something in return?
Anansi: Here is a golden nugget for your help.
One villager from the group comes forward to take nugget and points Anansi to stage left. Anansi stays to sing song and then leaves.
Anansi:
Walking, walking tall and lean
Can’t wait to find my cocoa bean
Villagers 2:
Walking, walking all day long
The cocoa bean will make him strong
(Anansi comes across a group of villagers who are having a celebration.)
All groups come forward to watch a dance. They form a semi circle and watch 1 solo dance and one duet. Then Anansi comes forward by breaking through the group centre stage.
Anansi: I’m lost. Can you help me get to the Niger River?
Villagers 2: Only if you give us something in return?
Anansi: Here is a golden nugget for your help
One villager comes forward and takes the cocoa bean. Points to stage left.
Anansi:
Walking, walking tall and lean
Can’t wait to find my cocoa bean
The groups return to their original places except for group 5 who take their places centre stage doing weaving or sewing motion.
Villagers 3:
Call: Walking, walking all day long
Answer: The cocoa bean will make him strong?
Anansi walks around the stage from stage left to stage right and meets group 5.
(Anansi comes across a group of villagers who are weaving fabric.)
Anansi: I’m lost. Can you help me get to the Niger River?
Villagers 3: Only if you give us something in return?
Anansi 2: Here is a golden nugget for your help
A villager comes forward and takes the nugget. She points upstage. Group 5 goes back to their original places. Anansi walks around the stage and returns to centre stage. One of villagers steps forward to become a tree.
(He finally arrives to the largest tree by the Niger River.)
Anansi 2: Finally, I made it!
The tree drops cocoa beans into Anansi’s hands and she eats them.
(As the cowbell beats a steady beat, Anansi climbs the tree and starts to eat as many cocoa beans as he/she can fit in his/her mouth. Slowly he/she starts to shrink in size.)
Anansi 3: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! What’s happening? I’m shrinking!
All the villagers and the evil lion are laughing at Anansi.
Villagers (all): WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND!
Dancers come forward and perform 3 dance moves as other villagers create an atmosphere of celebration. After they are finished, all villagers come forward to form a long line and bow. Lion comes forward to bow. Anansi comes forward to bow. They point to the musicians and bow.
THE END.
Onstage we five groups of villagers. Group 1 is downstage right, Group 2 is upstage right, Group 3 upstage centre, Group 4 is upstage left and Group 5 is downstage left. All groups are carving a drum (one person from each group acts as the drum that is being carved).
Grade 2 class performs their piece onstage as villagers look on and actively participate. When the class is finished, everyone applauds.
Anansi lounges lazily centre stage.
Movement Piece
(As group 1 of drummers drum, the villagers are doing their daily pdrum carving activities. Anansi lazes about. Group 1 drums through out this first section piece.)
First part of the Song 1
Villagers (all):
We carve our drums all day
Anansi turns his head away.
Anansi 1:
Working hard is not for me
Tricking people is the key
The charming spider that I am
I get my way whenever I can
As small as I appear to be
I’m very smart … just wait and see!
Beginning – in Guinea
Anansi 1: My fellow villagers, gather around. All villagers gather close to Anansi.
Villagers 1: Yes Anansi. What do you want from us now?
Anansi 1: I have a small request to ask of you. I need your help.
Villagers 2: What kind of help are you looking for?
Anansi: Well I need to carve a drum for the emperor. He will be paying me with gold. If you help me, I will share the gold with all of you.
Villagers 3: Anansi, is this another trick to get us to do all of your work for you?
Anansi: Of course not! I would never trick my fellow villagers.
Villagers 1: Okay Anansi. We’ll do this for you one last time because we would like to have some gold. If this is a trick though we will make you pay!
Anansi: I’ll take the drums along with me.
And bring back all the gold you’ll see.
One villager steps forward with the gold. (They should have this prop from the beginning.)
Anansi: Go and rest now because you have worked so hard. I will take care of everything!
Villagers go back to their original spots.
Anansi scampers off stage right
Villagers (not in unison):Where’s Anansi? He took our gold!
Villagers (all):
Selfishness fills his greedy heart.
Happily he goes to make a brand new start.
Groups 1 and Group 5 change places. All groups do their respective farming activities and sing as they are doing them.
Anansi weaves around the groups to upstage right, then goes to group 5. One villager is examining the potion bottle (They should have this prop at the beginning of the show.)
Middle – In Sierra Leone
Movement Piece
(As group 2 drums their rhythm, the farmers do their farming movements in rhythm. Group 2 drums through out quietly.)
Farmers (all):
Anansi arrives in Sierra Leone
(Anansi walks among them and discovers the magic potion.)
Farmers (all):
He sees a potion that makes things grow
Villagers gives him the potion.
Anansi: I hope the potion works. If I were bigger, no one would make fun of me
(Anansi drinks the potion)
Anansi 1: gulp gulp gulp gulp….ahhhhh! Oh what’s happening….I am feeling kind of weird. I think the potion is working!
KPOM! (drums!) All of a sudden Anansi is big!
Farmers (all):
A gulp of potion makes him tall
Now he feels like the king of all!
Anansi: I better run away before the farmers return and realize that I tricked them. They will be very angry!
(Anansi runs away)
Anansi goes to upstage right.
Farmers 1: I wonder if the crops have grown
Farmers 2: Let’s go see if the spider has finished spraying the crops
All Farmers: Oh NO!
Farmers 3: What has happened? What has Anansi done?
All Farmers: Where is he?
Farmers 1: Our crops have not grown!
Farmers 2: I think that we’ve been tricked.
All Farmers: (general expressions of disappointment)
Farmers (all):
Eight legs he has to do things faster
We didn’t think it would be a disaster
(Sadly the farmers walk away. Shaking their heads in disappointment.)
Farmers now become trees and animals like forest. Lion slinks out from group 3 to meet Anansi. (Should have a bag of coco beans) Anansi comes from upstage centre to meet lion.
Ending – in Ghana
Movement Piece
(Group 3 drummers (shakers) provide a rhythm as the chorus becomes a living forest. Shakers shake through out this section.)
(Anansi is walking proudly, hopping along tossing his bag of gold in the air. The evil lion is watching from the corner around the bush.)
Evil Lion: You’re pretty small for a spider
Anansi: NO, I’m not!
Evil Lion: I know of a way that you can become the biggest insect in the forest
Anansi: REALLY? How?
Evil Lion: I know of some magical cocoa beans that can do this
Anansi: Where is it?
Evil Lion: They’re growing on the largest tree closest to the Niger River. Look, can you see it?
Anansi: Ummm, I don’t think I can see it
Evil Lion: Don’t worry, if you get lost, just ask my villagers. In return for this secret, you must give me a few pieces of your gold
Anansi: Here you go.
Anansi gives Lion a few pieces of gold.
(And off he goes happily on his journey as the Evil Lion is laughing.)
Lion goes to upstage left and watches the scenes unfold.
Anansi: Walking, walking tall and lean
Villagers 1: Walking, walking all day long
(He comes across a group of villagers who are cooking a meal)
Groups 1 & 2 come forward to centre and are cooking a meal. Two people become the pot they are cooking.
Anansi: I’m lost. Can you help me get to the Niger River?
Villagers 1: Only if you give us something in return?
Anansi: Here is a golden nugget for your help.
One villager from the group comes forward to take nugget and points Anansi to stage left. Anansi stays to sing song and then leaves.
Anansi:
Walking, walking tall and lean
Can’t wait to find my cocoa bean
Villagers 2:
Walking, walking all day long
The cocoa bean will make him strong
(Anansi comes across a group of villagers who are having a celebration.)
All groups come forward to watch a dance. They form a semi circle and watch 1 solo dance and one duet. Then Anansi comes forward by breaking through the group centre stage.
Anansi: I’m lost. Can you help me get to the Niger River?
Villagers 2: Only if you give us something in return?
Anansi: Here is a golden nugget for your help
One villager comes forward and takes the cocoa bean. Points to stage left.
Anansi:
Walking, walking tall and lean
Can’t wait to find my cocoa bean
The groups return to their original places except for group 5 who take their places centre stage doing weaving or sewing motion.
Villagers 3:
Call: Walking, walking all day long
Answer: The cocoa bean will make him strong?
Anansi walks around the stage from stage left to stage right and meets group 5.
(Anansi comes across a group of villagers who are weaving fabric.)
Anansi: I’m lost. Can you help me get to the Niger River?
Villagers 3: Only if you give us something in return?
Anansi 2: Here is a golden nugget for your help
A villager comes forward and takes the nugget. She points upstage. Group 5 goes back to their original places. Anansi walks around the stage and returns to centre stage. One of villagers steps forward to become a tree.
(He finally arrives to the largest tree by the Niger River.)
Anansi 2: Finally, I made it!
The tree drops cocoa beans into Anansi’s hands and she eats them.
(As the cowbell beats a steady beat, Anansi climbs the tree and starts to eat as many cocoa beans as he/she can fit in his/her mouth. Slowly he/she starts to shrink in size.)
Anansi 3: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! What’s happening? I’m shrinking!
All the villagers and the evil lion are laughing at Anansi.
Villagers (all): WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND!
Dancers come forward and perform 3 dance moves as other villagers create an atmosphere of celebration. After they are finished, all villagers come forward to form a long line and bow. Lion comes forward to bow. Anansi comes forward to bow. They point to the musicians and bow.
THE END.
Mount Olympus Showdown - Amanda & Mubeen's Class
Mount Olympus Showdown
Onstage, we see four distinct groups and their posses, Zeus and posse is downstage right, Hera and posse is upstage right, Ares and posse is upstage left and Athena and posse are downstage left. Hades is upstage left, watching and observing.
(The chorus enters excitedly with fan signs along the lines of I love Zeus etc. talk excitedly about the upcoming performance.)
Two halves of the chorus enter on either side of the audience, group one stage left an group two stage right, they remain in the audience.
Chorus / Fans:
This is a story
of heartache and glory,
Watch and learn,
how their fates always turn.
This golden apple,
Which causes discord,
Is very potent
And must not be ignored.
Announcer upper stage right, comes to centre stage.
Announcer: Are you ready?
Chorus: (cheers).
Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, Gods and Goddesses, mortals and monsters, welcome to the Mount Olympus concert and ultimate battle. Let’s begin!
Chorus: (cheers.)
Zeus, Hera, Ares and Athena take centrestage with one attendant each in tow.
Ares: (complaining) Man, I hate Zeus! Why does he get to be ruler?! Why not me?? Hmph! I'll give him a piece of my mind!
(Ares walks up to Zeus)
Zeus: (bored, sitting on his throne being fed grapes by Hera): Good afternoon son (yawn), what brings you here?
Ares: I’ve come to challenge you!!!!
Zeus: Fool! Who are you to challenge me?
Ares: F.Y.I, I’m the god of war.
Zeus (shakes his head and mumbles to himself): I should have thrown you off the Mountain instead of Hephaestus.
Ares (in a whiny voice): Mommy (talks to Hera), Daddy is hurting my feelings. I don’t like him. One day I’m going to rule Mount Olympus and throw daddy to the underworld.
Hera (sounding very bored as well): Good I’m becoming tired of him too! (Eats the grape she was about to feed Zeus)
Zeus: I’ll accept your wimpy challenge and open the competition to all the other gods and goddesses as well. I will show you all who’s boss!
All goddesses and gods go back to their respective corners, accept Zeus who mopes around the stage, starting at stage right and then going to stage left. Hades comes down to stage centre to meet Zeus for a “sketchy” exchange.
(as the chorus talks about the following sequence, it is being acted out onstage.)
Chorus 1:
It seems like Zeus is beginning to feel unusual. He isn’t sleeping, he isn’t eating. He doesn’t even enjoy throwing his thunder bolts. He’s riding his chariot to the underworld in secret.
Chorus 2: Zeus meets his brother Hades at the entrance. He asks Hades to help him. Zeus promises that if this is done, he will allow Hades to do anything he wants for a day. Hades accepts. (with an evil, exaggerated grin to the audience)
Announcer (like a boxing ring announcement): Now it is time for the battle! Introducing our competitors: First up, Zeus!
Zeus: (comes in like a boxer with a hoodie/cape and his entourage, then bares his muscles, his posse enters afterward.)
Zeus and posse take centre stage doing their boxing prep stance. Zeus sings 1st verse alone and then posse sings 2nd verse with him.
Zeus the king
with his thunderbolt ring
keeper of the high
and controller of the sky
Zeus the grand
with his ultimate command
with his mighty hand
he rules all the land
Chorus: (Cheers)
Zeus and posse return to downstage right.
Announcer: Ares!
(Ares enters with his war loving posse.)
Ares and posse enter from upstage left and take centre stage. Ares sings 1st verse solo and then with posse 2nd time
Ares:
I’m the god of war
I’m evil to the core
I want to rule the earth
I’ve known it since my birth
I know that I am beastly
But what do you expect me to do, really
Chorus: (Cheers)
Announcer: Introducing Hera!
(Hera enters with posse, a rockin’ all girl group.)
Hera enters from stage right, strikes the goddess pose and posse follows and strikes pose again.
Hera:
I run things `round here, yeah you better be scared
Hera: I GOT THE POWER!
Other goddesses: Yeeah
Hera: I GOT THE POWER!
Other Goddesses: Yeah! She got the power, she got it
All goddesses: Watch yourself YEAH!
Hera goes back to spot stage right.
Chorus: (Cheers)
Announcer: Last, but not least, Athena.
(Athena enters with posse.)
Athena with posse takes centre stage from stage downstage left. Athena sings first two lines solo and then posse joins in/
Athena:
There once was a goddess
her name was Athena
She always won
in the battle arena
But she never had a mate
and never went on a second date
Now this one Athena was the goddess of war
but many gods knew she could do much more
Announcer: Let the games begin! First up, the dance competition!
Gods dance, most dance very awkwardly in a variety of styles (e.g., hippie, disco, Egyptian, headbanging, ballet, etc.)
Announcer: Well that wasn’t pretty. And the winner is… Ares
Chorus 1: This rock battle has been going on for hours. The gods and goddesses are tied evenly. What will happen next?
Announcer: Are you all ready for the final battle? I said, are you all ready for the final battle?
Chorus: (Cheers.)
Announcer: Here we go!
( A matrix like battle ensues, with the goddesses coming out victorious because Hades helps them from the sidelines, represented by a matrix style dance/movement)
Hera’s posse & Zeus’ posse send out an imaginary fire ball to Ares’ and Athena’s posse who dodge it in matrix style poses. Ares and Athena fire back and all groups fall except Hera and posse. Hades is still upstage right watching.
Announcer: I now declare the winner of these games to be Hera and her fellow goddesses!
Hera and posse take centre stage and strike a pose.
Hera (making a speech to the crowd, including all the gods): As you may have heard, we WILL make Mt. Olympus a much, much, better place! (Applause) Thank you once again! (Waving to everyone)
(To Hades) Thanks for all your help, we couldn’t have done it without you.
Chorus: (all gasp and look surprised as well): Hades! (all point to Hades)
Hades comes centre stage.
Hades: Muah, ha, ha! No prob. It was real fun… to CHEAT that is! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
(raps.)
I’m a god; I’m a straight up G. The underworld is the life for me. Torturing by day; stealing souls by night. Being Hades is just alright. I left Mount Olympus at the age of 4, but everyone knows I’m the one they adore. I walked around town with huge acceleration, even though I didn’t get any education. I’m Hades.
(enter Zeus, who is outraged at seeing that Hades has double-crossed him, Zeus roars in anger)
Zeus: You! (points to Hades) I can’t believe it! You promised to help me win! Why have you betrayed me????
Hades: Actually, I promised to help you, not help you win. As to why I betrayed you, well you try ruling the filthy underworld! Now you will learn!
Chorus 2:
Hades drags Zeus down, down, down to the underworld. (Hades locks Zeus up and throws away the key) Mount Olympus is enjoying a time of peace and happiness while Hera and the other goddesses rule.
Hera and posse create a lounging tableau centre stage.
The gods are also busy… cooking, cleaning, and doing all the work that the goddesses used to do…Things stay this way for a long, long, time.
Zeus’ posse makes a scrubbing the floors action, Athena’s posse makes
Then, one day, the gods served a huge banquet
Food covered the table like a warm thick blanket
On Hera’s plate was the most beautiful fruit,
A golden apple that was really cute.
She couldn’t resist and took a bite,
even though there was something not right
about the way the gods were grinning
just as they had when they were winning.
(Hera starts to feel unwell. Almost immediately, she starts yelling at the other goddesses and bossing them around. Soon, they are all screaming at each other, arguing over how things should be done and fighting over the golden apple. The goddesses start throwing food at each other)
Annnouncer: Now Eris enters the stage. What’s he doing here?
Eris: Wait a minute, wait a minute! Everyone STOP! (the goddesses turn to her and stop what they are doing) Has anyone seen my apple of discord?
(the goddesses all look to Hera, who is holding the half eaten apple of discord raised up in the air)
Chorus: (Surprise Ah!)
Announcer: And that concludes our concert battle for today. Come back tomorrow for part two. Let’s give it up for our goddesses and gods:
Zeus! (Zeus and posse take a bow)
Ares! (Ares and posse take a bow)
Hera! (Hera and posse take a bow)
Athena! (Athena and posse take a bow)
See you next week for the finale!
Chorus / Fans:
This was a story
of heartache and glory,
We watched and learned,
how their fates always turned.
This golden apple,
Which caused discord,
Was very potent
And must not be ignored.
(Chorus/Fans leave the stage.)
Onstage, we see four distinct groups and their posses, Zeus and posse is downstage right, Hera and posse is upstage right, Ares and posse is upstage left and Athena and posse are downstage left. Hades is upstage left, watching and observing.
(The chorus enters excitedly with fan signs along the lines of I love Zeus etc. talk excitedly about the upcoming performance.)
Two halves of the chorus enter on either side of the audience, group one stage left an group two stage right, they remain in the audience.
Chorus / Fans:
This is a story
of heartache and glory,
Watch and learn,
how their fates always turn.
This golden apple,
Which causes discord,
Is very potent
And must not be ignored.
Announcer upper stage right, comes to centre stage.
Announcer: Are you ready?
Chorus: (cheers).
Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, Gods and Goddesses, mortals and monsters, welcome to the Mount Olympus concert and ultimate battle. Let’s begin!
Chorus: (cheers.)
Zeus, Hera, Ares and Athena take centrestage with one attendant each in tow.
Ares: (complaining) Man, I hate Zeus! Why does he get to be ruler?! Why not me?? Hmph! I'll give him a piece of my mind!
(Ares walks up to Zeus)
Zeus: (bored, sitting on his throne being fed grapes by Hera): Good afternoon son (yawn), what brings you here?
Ares: I’ve come to challenge you!!!!
Zeus: Fool! Who are you to challenge me?
Ares: F.Y.I, I’m the god of war.
Zeus (shakes his head and mumbles to himself): I should have thrown you off the Mountain instead of Hephaestus.
Ares (in a whiny voice): Mommy (talks to Hera), Daddy is hurting my feelings. I don’t like him. One day I’m going to rule Mount Olympus and throw daddy to the underworld.
Hera (sounding very bored as well): Good I’m becoming tired of him too! (Eats the grape she was about to feed Zeus)
Zeus: I’ll accept your wimpy challenge and open the competition to all the other gods and goddesses as well. I will show you all who’s boss!
All goddesses and gods go back to their respective corners, accept Zeus who mopes around the stage, starting at stage right and then going to stage left. Hades comes down to stage centre to meet Zeus for a “sketchy” exchange.
(as the chorus talks about the following sequence, it is being acted out onstage.)
Chorus 1:
It seems like Zeus is beginning to feel unusual. He isn’t sleeping, he isn’t eating. He doesn’t even enjoy throwing his thunder bolts. He’s riding his chariot to the underworld in secret.
Chorus 2: Zeus meets his brother Hades at the entrance. He asks Hades to help him. Zeus promises that if this is done, he will allow Hades to do anything he wants for a day. Hades accepts. (with an evil, exaggerated grin to the audience)
Announcer (like a boxing ring announcement): Now it is time for the battle! Introducing our competitors: First up, Zeus!
Zeus: (comes in like a boxer with a hoodie/cape and his entourage, then bares his muscles, his posse enters afterward.)
Zeus and posse take centre stage doing their boxing prep stance. Zeus sings 1st verse alone and then posse sings 2nd verse with him.
Zeus the king
with his thunderbolt ring
keeper of the high
and controller of the sky
Zeus the grand
with his ultimate command
with his mighty hand
he rules all the land
Chorus: (Cheers)
Zeus and posse return to downstage right.
Announcer: Ares!
(Ares enters with his war loving posse.)
Ares and posse enter from upstage left and take centre stage. Ares sings 1st verse solo and then with posse 2nd time
Ares:
I’m the god of war
I’m evil to the core
I want to rule the earth
I’ve known it since my birth
I know that I am beastly
But what do you expect me to do, really
Chorus: (Cheers)
Announcer: Introducing Hera!
(Hera enters with posse, a rockin’ all girl group.)
Hera enters from stage right, strikes the goddess pose and posse follows and strikes pose again.
Hera:
I run things `round here, yeah you better be scared
Hera: I GOT THE POWER!
Other goddesses: Yeeah
Hera: I GOT THE POWER!
Other Goddesses: Yeah! She got the power, she got it
All goddesses: Watch yourself YEAH!
Hera goes back to spot stage right.
Chorus: (Cheers)
Announcer: Last, but not least, Athena.
(Athena enters with posse.)
Athena with posse takes centre stage from stage downstage left. Athena sings first two lines solo and then posse joins in/
Athena:
There once was a goddess
her name was Athena
She always won
in the battle arena
But she never had a mate
and never went on a second date
Now this one Athena was the goddess of war
but many gods knew she could do much more
Announcer: Let the games begin! First up, the dance competition!
Gods dance, most dance very awkwardly in a variety of styles (e.g., hippie, disco, Egyptian, headbanging, ballet, etc.)
Announcer: Well that wasn’t pretty. And the winner is… Ares
Chorus 1: This rock battle has been going on for hours. The gods and goddesses are tied evenly. What will happen next?
Announcer: Are you all ready for the final battle? I said, are you all ready for the final battle?
Chorus: (Cheers.)
Announcer: Here we go!
( A matrix like battle ensues, with the goddesses coming out victorious because Hades helps them from the sidelines, represented by a matrix style dance/movement)
Hera’s posse & Zeus’ posse send out an imaginary fire ball to Ares’ and Athena’s posse who dodge it in matrix style poses. Ares and Athena fire back and all groups fall except Hera and posse. Hades is still upstage right watching.
Announcer: I now declare the winner of these games to be Hera and her fellow goddesses!
Hera and posse take centre stage and strike a pose.
Hera (making a speech to the crowd, including all the gods): As you may have heard, we WILL make Mt. Olympus a much, much, better place! (Applause) Thank you once again! (Waving to everyone)
(To Hades) Thanks for all your help, we couldn’t have done it without you.
Chorus: (all gasp and look surprised as well): Hades! (all point to Hades)
Hades comes centre stage.
Hades: Muah, ha, ha! No prob. It was real fun… to CHEAT that is! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
(raps.)
I’m a god; I’m a straight up G. The underworld is the life for me. Torturing by day; stealing souls by night. Being Hades is just alright. I left Mount Olympus at the age of 4, but everyone knows I’m the one they adore. I walked around town with huge acceleration, even though I didn’t get any education. I’m Hades.
(enter Zeus, who is outraged at seeing that Hades has double-crossed him, Zeus roars in anger)
Zeus: You! (points to Hades) I can’t believe it! You promised to help me win! Why have you betrayed me????
Hades: Actually, I promised to help you, not help you win. As to why I betrayed you, well you try ruling the filthy underworld! Now you will learn!
Chorus 2:
Hades drags Zeus down, down, down to the underworld. (Hades locks Zeus up and throws away the key) Mount Olympus is enjoying a time of peace and happiness while Hera and the other goddesses rule.
Hera and posse create a lounging tableau centre stage.
The gods are also busy… cooking, cleaning, and doing all the work that the goddesses used to do…Things stay this way for a long, long, time.
Zeus’ posse makes a scrubbing the floors action, Athena’s posse makes
Then, one day, the gods served a huge banquet
Food covered the table like a warm thick blanket
On Hera’s plate was the most beautiful fruit,
A golden apple that was really cute.
She couldn’t resist and took a bite,
even though there was something not right
about the way the gods were grinning
just as they had when they were winning.
(Hera starts to feel unwell. Almost immediately, she starts yelling at the other goddesses and bossing them around. Soon, they are all screaming at each other, arguing over how things should be done and fighting over the golden apple. The goddesses start throwing food at each other)
Annnouncer: Now Eris enters the stage. What’s he doing here?
Eris: Wait a minute, wait a minute! Everyone STOP! (the goddesses turn to her and stop what they are doing) Has anyone seen my apple of discord?
(the goddesses all look to Hera, who is holding the half eaten apple of discord raised up in the air)
Chorus: (Surprise Ah!)
Announcer: And that concludes our concert battle for today. Come back tomorrow for part two. Let’s give it up for our goddesses and gods:
Zeus! (Zeus and posse take a bow)
Ares! (Ares and posse take a bow)
Hera! (Hera and posse take a bow)
Athena! (Athena and posse take a bow)
See you next week for the finale!
Chorus / Fans:
This was a story
of heartache and glory,
We watched and learned,
how their fates always turned.
This golden apple,
Which caused discord,
Was very potent
And must not be ignored.
(Chorus/Fans leave the stage.)
7th Class Heaven...Sort of
We are nearing the end of this process and I have to say it has definitely been a learning experience for me and fun too!
This week was a bit chaotic, but as Adam said productive as well. Amanda and Mubeen's class was up first. Most of their roles had been cast, but there had been a few still left, so we took some time to figure that out. I also thought it would be a good idea to run through the music once. The students are still learning the songs and because they had had a busy last few weeks, I don't think that they had a chance to rehearse very often. They did very well with some refreshing of the material and I have every confidence that they will be able to pull it off well. I got right into blocking with this group and tried to keep it as simple as possible. We managed to get through about three quarters of the piece though and I hoped to get to the end, but we will finish it next week.
For Sona's class, things went similiarly. They had completed all the casting and it was done very well! I will echo Adam's sentiment that Kaya who is playing Anansi is very talented in singing and acting. I have no doubt she will shine. Sona's class is very enthusiastic about the project which resulted in a little too much talking. Because we had to get through the blocking, I had to make it clear that now was the time to concentrate and to keep quiet and not move unless told to. This worked fine and we managed to block the entire piece and run the blocking once with instructions from me. We also did manage to integrate the music on the second run of the blocking, but this needs to be refined further. Music wise, Kaya had created her own melody for the walking song and it was excellent! Adam and I were delighted. Sona's class also needed a refresher on the music as they too had had a busy week.
It was a tiring day for me as trying to get that amount of students to concentrate, go to their spots and retain some of the blocking was a challenge. I will stand by the fact that I don't know how teachers do their job and so well! After two hours, I needed a nap.
Anyway, for both classes it is super important that they take 30 minutes minimum to rehease the music and be familiar with it. Sona's class should also review the ending dance if they have the time. I have inserted the blocking into the scripts, so if by some miracle they have the time to rehearse the play with blocking, great. If not, I'd say that this is not top priority, reviewing the music is.
Next week is our last official week, but Adam and I will be returning on March 30th for a final performance for a larger group of students. I think for next week, we will spend 45 minutes with each class refining the piece before they present the operas for each other. They can definitely be on book, (i.e with scripts in hand) for next week and hopefully off book and memorized for the performance at the end of the month.
Looking forward to next week to see them do their thing.
I will post the scripts in a seperate post!
Sedina
This week was a bit chaotic, but as Adam said productive as well. Amanda and Mubeen's class was up first. Most of their roles had been cast, but there had been a few still left, so we took some time to figure that out. I also thought it would be a good idea to run through the music once. The students are still learning the songs and because they had had a busy last few weeks, I don't think that they had a chance to rehearse very often. They did very well with some refreshing of the material and I have every confidence that they will be able to pull it off well. I got right into blocking with this group and tried to keep it as simple as possible. We managed to get through about three quarters of the piece though and I hoped to get to the end, but we will finish it next week.
For Sona's class, things went similiarly. They had completed all the casting and it was done very well! I will echo Adam's sentiment that Kaya who is playing Anansi is very talented in singing and acting. I have no doubt she will shine. Sona's class is very enthusiastic about the project which resulted in a little too much talking. Because we had to get through the blocking, I had to make it clear that now was the time to concentrate and to keep quiet and not move unless told to. This worked fine and we managed to block the entire piece and run the blocking once with instructions from me. We also did manage to integrate the music on the second run of the blocking, but this needs to be refined further. Music wise, Kaya had created her own melody for the walking song and it was excellent! Adam and I were delighted. Sona's class also needed a refresher on the music as they too had had a busy week.
It was a tiring day for me as trying to get that amount of students to concentrate, go to their spots and retain some of the blocking was a challenge. I will stand by the fact that I don't know how teachers do their job and so well! After two hours, I needed a nap.
Anyway, for both classes it is super important that they take 30 minutes minimum to rehease the music and be familiar with it. Sona's class should also review the ending dance if they have the time. I have inserted the blocking into the scripts, so if by some miracle they have the time to rehearse the play with blocking, great. If not, I'd say that this is not top priority, reviewing the music is.
Next week is our last official week, but Adam and I will be returning on March 30th for a final performance for a larger group of students. I think for next week, we will spend 45 minutes with each class refining the piece before they present the operas for each other. They can definitely be on book, (i.e with scripts in hand) for next week and hopefully off book and memorized for the performance at the end of the month.
Looking forward to next week to see them do their thing.
I will post the scripts in a seperate post!
Sedina
Hi All!
So here's the update from my end...
Yesterday's classes were busy and productive. The first class was Amanda and Mubeen's class, and we started by enquiring where the kids were at with the project, since it has been two weeks since we saw them last. They have evidently made some cool costumes and props, and they had worked on learning the script. They were broken up into 'posses' to go along with each god/goddess, and the roles were cast for Zeus, Aries, Athena, etc. Sedina and I then ran through the songs with the kids...they didn't have the chance to really listen to the music I sent them, but both teachers should have the cd by tomorrow via Sedina (since she lives close by). If they can listen lots over the next week, they'll be able to get those songs in their heads. Once we had reviewed the songs, Sedina started to run through with blocking, and with the incoporation of music. I have been taking the themes of each god/goddess's song and weaving this out into incidental music on the piano. We didn't make it through the whole piece, but they got a substantial part of the opera blocked.
Sona's class was a little different; they already had assigned a girl the role of Anansi, and she proved to be quite the talent both in acting and singing. We went through the songs first and then Sedina took the actors/dancers for blocking and I took the drummers for work on the accompanying drumming. We talked about drumming at different dynamics to accomodate/accompany the singers. Near the end of the class, we joined forces and ran through the whole thing. It was a bit haphazard, but for a first run-through all together, it went very well.
I'm looking forward to continuing to develop the pieces now that they are all coming together as a whole.
Adam
So here's the update from my end...
Yesterday's classes were busy and productive. The first class was Amanda and Mubeen's class, and we started by enquiring where the kids were at with the project, since it has been two weeks since we saw them last. They have evidently made some cool costumes and props, and they had worked on learning the script. They were broken up into 'posses' to go along with each god/goddess, and the roles were cast for Zeus, Aries, Athena, etc. Sedina and I then ran through the songs with the kids...they didn't have the chance to really listen to the music I sent them, but both teachers should have the cd by tomorrow via Sedina (since she lives close by). If they can listen lots over the next week, they'll be able to get those songs in their heads. Once we had reviewed the songs, Sedina started to run through with blocking, and with the incoporation of music. I have been taking the themes of each god/goddess's song and weaving this out into incidental music on the piano. We didn't make it through the whole piece, but they got a substantial part of the opera blocked.
Sona's class was a little different; they already had assigned a girl the role of Anansi, and she proved to be quite the talent both in acting and singing. We went through the songs first and then Sedina took the actors/dancers for blocking and I took the drummers for work on the accompanying drumming. We talked about drumming at different dynamics to accomodate/accompany the singers. Near the end of the class, we joined forces and ran through the whole thing. It was a bit haphazard, but for a first run-through all together, it went very well.
I'm looking forward to continuing to develop the pieces now that they are all coming together as a whole.
Adam
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Hi All!
I just was looking over the script for Amanda and Mubeen's class, and I realized that a song was left out. I'm not sure if we should put it back in...it's the Victory Song, for which the kids composed their own melody. I've included it on the CDs that I'll be getting out to you tomorrow, so let me know if we should include it...I thought it was neat that the kids created the melody all on their own for that one.
More to follow soon in terms of our class summaries for today...
Adam
I just was looking over the script for Amanda and Mubeen's class, and I realized that a song was left out. I'm not sure if we should put it back in...it's the Victory Song, for which the kids composed their own melody. I've included it on the CDs that I'll be getting out to you tomorrow, so let me know if we should include it...I thought it was neat that the kids created the melody all on their own for that one.
More to follow soon in terms of our class summaries for today...
Adam
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Design Day
WOW to all those who those who participated in design day today! 2.5 hours passed so quickly it seemed like 5 minutes. All of the students worked very hard to create their sets and costumes for their operas, I had great helpers setting up, and I found that everyone was excellent at assisting with clean-up.
Both classes were introduced to design and we discussed how props, sets, and costumes can help to tell the story as well transform the characters on stage.
In Amanda and Mubeen's class the students weren't given roles yet, so we assigned each of the students to a design job, which may or may not become their final role. I felt like most of the students did know who they would like to be though, and that hopefully their won't be too many problems with switching, if at all, later on.
The designs made included:
Headpieces for Zeus, Hera, Hades, Athena, Ares, and Eris characters.
A giant golden apple, a giant key, as well as "fan" signs.
In Sona's class students collaborated to create a giant mosaic of the Niger river, which will later have fish, seaweed and electric eels added to it (I believe they are done but not glued on yet).
Other designs included:
Hand-made African print sashes for all the villagers, spider legs for Anansi, a mask for the evil lion, as well as a potion bottle.
I had a lot of fun and look forward to hearing how the designs turn out once they are all finally completed. I think there are probably a few staples and a bit more glue that will have to be added, but not too much.
Thanks for a great day!
Andy Miller
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thanks of the revisions on the script, Sedina. I really like the ideas you added to it.
I am hoping to have the roles of the students chosen by Tuesday. The students have a PD day tomorrow and Family Day on Monday. The students will audition Tuesday morning for their parts.
As a class we discussed the idea of having 3 different Anansi's in the opera. They felt it should be one person who takes on the role because they think it will confuse the audience. To some extent, I agree with them but also see Sedina's point of giving more than one student an opportunity to take on the lead role. Something we did not come to a conclusion about as a class.
Our tour of the Four Season's Performing Arts Centre was FANTASTIC! The students really enjoyed it and learned so much (They talked about the amazing sets all the way back to the school on the bus). They had so many interesting questions! They are ready to come see an opera now. They will be able to make a connection and sit for the 3 hours!
Looking forward to the set design next week and our trip to the other opera centre. Have a good weekend!
Sona
I am hoping to have the roles of the students chosen by Tuesday. The students have a PD day tomorrow and Family Day on Monday. The students will audition Tuesday morning for their parts.
As a class we discussed the idea of having 3 different Anansi's in the opera. They felt it should be one person who takes on the role because they think it will confuse the audience. To some extent, I agree with them but also see Sedina's point of giving more than one student an opportunity to take on the lead role. Something we did not come to a conclusion about as a class.
Our tour of the Four Season's Performing Arts Centre was FANTASTIC! The students really enjoyed it and learned so much (They talked about the amazing sets all the way back to the school on the bus). They had so many interesting questions! They are ready to come see an opera now. They will be able to make a connection and sit for the 3 hours!
Looking forward to the set design next week and our trip to the other opera centre. Have a good weekend!
Sona
Design Preparation
Hello All!
Looking forward to design day Tuesday Feb. 17th.
I've planned a great workshop day for your classes and have spoken to Sedina about working on some fun projects to get your groups underway with the design portion of their operas.
As mentioned in my email as well, it would be great to have your students assigned to parts so that they know who their characters are before I arrive on Tuesday.
Sona: for your class the students will be working on -
1. A spider headpiece or costume that works for 3 characters playing the part
2. An evil lion headpiece or costume
3. A giant backdrop with trees (and possibly huts) that the other students will be working on
Mubeen and Amanda: for your class the students will be working on -
1. Headpieces for the Gods & Goddesses and possibly some props such as scepters and lighting
2. Rock n' Roll fan posters that the chorus group will be working on.
Also, with regard to the email that I sent with a list of materials to prepare, let me know if there is anything that you will need us to provide beyond what you have there in stock. The COC will prepare a kit but I will have to know by Friday Feb. 13 what you do or don't have.
Looking forward to working with all of you!
Andy Miller
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Clearing this up!
So,
To address Sona's last post, there have been some crossed lines of communication. I have sent lengthy emails to hopefully clear things up.
Just realizing that I have plunked my artist self into a school environment which has very different expectations than I first realized. Lessons learnt for next time for sure! Also realizing that I need to be my own stage manager as I am used to being either an artist or an administrator and doing both like what we have to do for this project is a delicate juggling act.
Still, I feel as though all is fine and will come together fabulously.
Sedina
To address Sona's last post, there have been some crossed lines of communication. I have sent lengthy emails to hopefully clear things up.
Just realizing that I have plunked my artist self into a school environment which has very different expectations than I first realized. Lessons learnt for next time for sure! Also realizing that I need to be my own stage manager as I am used to being either an artist or an administrator and doing both like what we have to do for this project is a delicate juggling act.
Still, I feel as though all is fine and will come together fabulously.
Sedina
Week 5 Homework
Hi,
I've decided to have the students audition for the parts they would like to have. They will audition in class on Tuesday since there is no school on Friday and Monday. So, by Tuesday we will have the casting of all the roles (Anansi, evil lion, emperor and the remaining students will be villagers and farmers).
I can also have the students memorize the songs and practise with the melody once I receive them.
As to the rehearsing of the script - this I feel should be guided by the artists. The artists have expertise that I do not have hence, the reason for us to be part of this program. I would be more comfortable polishing what the artists have done with the students and at this point that is only some dance moves. I am comfortable working with the drumming since I have experience with this.
I am also unsure of what the final performance should or will look like. At our first meeting we discussed some possiblities but haven't discussed anything since.
I know our next class is the set design however, I don't feel the students are ready for it. The students have not had a chance to get a feel of their roles yet or of our story. Could we postpone it to the week after so we could work with the artists next week? Might also solve the problem of Sedina not being able to come the 24th and having another artist work with the students.
Sona
I've decided to have the students audition for the parts they would like to have. They will audition in class on Tuesday since there is no school on Friday and Monday. So, by Tuesday we will have the casting of all the roles (Anansi, evil lion, emperor and the remaining students will be villagers and farmers).
I can also have the students memorize the songs and practise with the melody once I receive them.
As to the rehearsing of the script - this I feel should be guided by the artists. The artists have expertise that I do not have hence, the reason for us to be part of this program. I would be more comfortable polishing what the artists have done with the students and at this point that is only some dance moves. I am comfortable working with the drumming since I have experience with this.
I am also unsure of what the final performance should or will look like. At our first meeting we discussed some possiblities but haven't discussed anything since.
I know our next class is the set design however, I don't feel the students are ready for it. The students have not had a chance to get a feel of their roles yet or of our story. Could we postpone it to the week after so we could work with the artists next week? Might also solve the problem of Sedina not being able to come the 24th and having another artist work with the students.
Sona
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
5th Week - Organized Chaos
So, so, so.
This was a week of sharing and it was chaotic, but I have solid ideas of how the next few classes will go. Some awesome material is coming out of the classes!
For Sona's class we did a quick warm up where I seperated them into three groups and then they had to order themselves by birth date and then by height. This went very well and it indicated to me that the groups are working together and cooperating very well. I also taught them an Ethiopian song.
Then Adam presented the melodies he had created for the songs and we rehearsed them and learned them as much as possible. Great melodies! We then moved on and they showed us their drumming rhythms and dances which were all fantastic. This group has been working so hard and incorporating their West African drumming and dance from their lessons with a visiting artist earlier on in the year. Very exciting!
I wish I had received the script in advance, but something got lost in translation in the many emails going back and forth. I did find it now which is great. Thankfully, Sona had copies! We worked a little bit on the middle section, creating some rhythms for the songs and also coming up with some movement for this section. I noticed that it was difficult to keep the students focused with the drumming the background and with everything, so I had to seperate them into movement groups in order to get some focus happening.
For the next time I see Sona's class, the following things need to happen:
-casting of all the roles (which I will send a breakdown for)
-rehearsing/memorization of the new script and songs which I will send soon
Next class, we will rehearse the piece and tweak the movement and music so that we are ready for the final workshop performance.
In terms of design, I am thinking that we should create a backdrop with a large tree and maybe some huts. Also there are some costumes like the lion and Anansi that we should create, but I will send my suggestions to Sona for the class to have the last word.
For Amanda & Mubeen's class, we started off by doing some singing and reintrepreting Somewhere Over The Rainbow in rock and hip hop styles, which went alright. Adam then presented his melodies that he created for the lyrics. Again, great work. We established the Hades song would be hip hop and all the other songs had a rock feel as they requested. Having some issues with this class as some of the students don't want to sing at all or don't want to participate which is disheartening at times, but I think I managed to motivate them. I think that when we have the final show, everyone will participate, but if the foundations are not in place, it can be difficult to rally. This class has some good ideas and I am looking forward to seeing them get the show on it's feet. This class, they also presented a possible melody for a song they have written as well as a some fab dance and movement pieces which I will incorporate into the final piece.
Design wise, my vision for this piece is a modern rock concert. Could be fun to work on some props like the apple and maybe some fan signs...I will send my ideas to Mubeen and Amanda for them to decide with their classes what they want to do.
For Amanda and Mubeen, the homework will be same as Sona's class:
-cast the script based on the breakdown I will send
-rehearse the new script and songs for the next time I see them
We are at the point in the collective creation process when we must put everything together, so it can seem like things won't ever come together, but I have faith in the process and after today's class I have some concrete ideas of how to put it all together. Looking forward to the next class.
This was a week of sharing and it was chaotic, but I have solid ideas of how the next few classes will go. Some awesome material is coming out of the classes!
For Sona's class we did a quick warm up where I seperated them into three groups and then they had to order themselves by birth date and then by height. This went very well and it indicated to me that the groups are working together and cooperating very well. I also taught them an Ethiopian song.
Then Adam presented the melodies he had created for the songs and we rehearsed them and learned them as much as possible. Great melodies! We then moved on and they showed us their drumming rhythms and dances which were all fantastic. This group has been working so hard and incorporating their West African drumming and dance from their lessons with a visiting artist earlier on in the year. Very exciting!
I wish I had received the script in advance, but something got lost in translation in the many emails going back and forth. I did find it now which is great. Thankfully, Sona had copies! We worked a little bit on the middle section, creating some rhythms for the songs and also coming up with some movement for this section. I noticed that it was difficult to keep the students focused with the drumming the background and with everything, so I had to seperate them into movement groups in order to get some focus happening.
For the next time I see Sona's class, the following things need to happen:
-casting of all the roles (which I will send a breakdown for)
-rehearsing/memorization of the new script and songs which I will send soon
Next class, we will rehearse the piece and tweak the movement and music so that we are ready for the final workshop performance.
In terms of design, I am thinking that we should create a backdrop with a large tree and maybe some huts. Also there are some costumes like the lion and Anansi that we should create, but I will send my suggestions to Sona for the class to have the last word.
For Amanda & Mubeen's class, we started off by doing some singing and reintrepreting Somewhere Over The Rainbow in rock and hip hop styles, which went alright. Adam then presented his melodies that he created for the lyrics. Again, great work. We established the Hades song would be hip hop and all the other songs had a rock feel as they requested. Having some issues with this class as some of the students don't want to sing at all or don't want to participate which is disheartening at times, but I think I managed to motivate them. I think that when we have the final show, everyone will participate, but if the foundations are not in place, it can be difficult to rally. This class has some good ideas and I am looking forward to seeing them get the show on it's feet. This class, they also presented a possible melody for a song they have written as well as a some fab dance and movement pieces which I will incorporate into the final piece.
Design wise, my vision for this piece is a modern rock concert. Could be fun to work on some props like the apple and maybe some fan signs...I will send my ideas to Mubeen and Amanda for them to decide with their classes what they want to do.
For Amanda and Mubeen, the homework will be same as Sona's class:
-cast the script based on the breakdown I will send
-rehearse the new script and songs for the next time I see them
We are at the point in the collective creation process when we must put everything together, so it can seem like things won't ever come together, but I have faith in the process and after today's class I have some concrete ideas of how to put it all together. Looking forward to the next class.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Script
I'll email the script to Sedina and Adam. I don't know how to attach it here. Suggestions are welcome. Also, would you like me to have students choose their parts before Tuesday?
Sona
Sona
New Songs
Introduction Song #1
Working hard is not for me
Tricking people is the key
The charming spider that I am
I get my way whenever I can
As small as I appear to be
I’m very smart … just wait and see!
Beginning Part Song #2
The villagers carve the drums all day
Anansi turns his head away
I’ll take the drums along with me
And bring back all the gold you’ll see
Selfishness fills his greedy heart
Happily he goes to make a brand new start.
Middle Song #3
Anansi arrives in Sierra Leone
He sees a potion that makes things grow
Eight legs he has to do things faster
The farmers didn’t think it would be a disaster
A gulp of potion makes him tall
Now he feels like the king of all!
Ending Song - Journey Song #4 (Repeated 3 times throughout the ending)
Walking, walking tall and lean
Can’t wait to find my cocoa bean
Walking, walking all day long
My cocoa bean will make me strong!
Working hard is not for me
Tricking people is the key
The charming spider that I am
I get my way whenever I can
As small as I appear to be
I’m very smart … just wait and see!
Beginning Part Song #2
The villagers carve the drums all day
Anansi turns his head away
I’ll take the drums along with me
And bring back all the gold you’ll see
Selfishness fills his greedy heart
Happily he goes to make a brand new start.
Middle Song #3
Anansi arrives in Sierra Leone
He sees a potion that makes things grow
Eight legs he has to do things faster
The farmers didn’t think it would be a disaster
A gulp of potion makes him tall
Now he feels like the king of all!
Ending Song - Journey Song #4 (Repeated 3 times throughout the ending)
Walking, walking tall and lean
Can’t wait to find my cocoa bean
Walking, walking all day long
My cocoa bean will make me strong!
Revision!
With alot of enthusiasm, we have revised most of our story! It's been alot of work but the students have learned alot from the process. We have completed the script and new songs also. Here is the outline:
Anansi’s Journey Through West Africa
Beginning
Setting – Guinea
Anansi is carving a drum on a hot sunny day. He feels tired and lazy to complete carving the entire drum. He tricks the villagers by telling them they if they help him with his drum, he will share the gold he will get from the emperor in return. When the villagers are done carving the drums they are ready to go with Anansi to the emperor to drop off the drum and get the gold. He tells them that they should rest because they have worked so hard and he would take the drum to the emperor. The villagers go and rest and they never see Anansi again. He leaves Guinea with all the gold.
Middle
Setting – Seirra Leone
Anansi notices the farmers in Seirra Leone using a special potion that helps their crops grow big. He wonders if he could also grow big if he drinks the potion. He tells the farmers that he could do their job of spraying the potion on the crops much faster because he had 8 legs that he could use all at once. They love the idea and go and do some other work that needs to be done. While they are gone, Anansi drinks the potions. Instantly, he grows big! When the farmers come back, they realize Anansi had tricked them because their crops had not grown. He leaves the country before the farmers could find him.
Ending
Anansi is proud of himself because he has successfully tricked the villagers into doing his work for him and without sharing the gold with them. He also can’t believe how foolish the farmers were to trust him with the special potion. Flaunting his gold, he arrives in Ghana. The evil lion notices Anansi flaunting his gold. He goes up to Anansi and asks him if he wants to grow even bigger so he could be the largest insect in the forest. Without hesitation, he agrees. However, the lion tells him that in return, Anansi must give him all his gold. Of course, Anansi does not like this idea. So he secretly exchanges the gold in his bag with stones and gives the bag to the lion. When he ask how he can get bigger, by eating the cocoa bean on the largest tree by the Niger River. Throughout his journey to the Nile River, he gets lost and needs directions. Every time he stops and asks the villagers for help they ask him for something in return – his gold. By the time he gets to the Niger River, he has no more gold left. When he gets to the tree he eats as many cocoa beans as he can. To his surprise, he starts to shrink! Everyone laughs at him and the lion realizes that he also got tricked when he notices the stones in his bag. He finally learns his lesson – What goes around, comes around!
The villagers all celebrate!
Anansi’s Journey Through West Africa
Beginning
Setting – Guinea
Anansi is carving a drum on a hot sunny day. He feels tired and lazy to complete carving the entire drum. He tricks the villagers by telling them they if they help him with his drum, he will share the gold he will get from the emperor in return. When the villagers are done carving the drums they are ready to go with Anansi to the emperor to drop off the drum and get the gold. He tells them that they should rest because they have worked so hard and he would take the drum to the emperor. The villagers go and rest and they never see Anansi again. He leaves Guinea with all the gold.
Middle
Setting – Seirra Leone
Anansi notices the farmers in Seirra Leone using a special potion that helps their crops grow big. He wonders if he could also grow big if he drinks the potion. He tells the farmers that he could do their job of spraying the potion on the crops much faster because he had 8 legs that he could use all at once. They love the idea and go and do some other work that needs to be done. While they are gone, Anansi drinks the potions. Instantly, he grows big! When the farmers come back, they realize Anansi had tricked them because their crops had not grown. He leaves the country before the farmers could find him.
Ending
Anansi is proud of himself because he has successfully tricked the villagers into doing his work for him and without sharing the gold with them. He also can’t believe how foolish the farmers were to trust him with the special potion. Flaunting his gold, he arrives in Ghana. The evil lion notices Anansi flaunting his gold. He goes up to Anansi and asks him if he wants to grow even bigger so he could be the largest insect in the forest. Without hesitation, he agrees. However, the lion tells him that in return, Anansi must give him all his gold. Of course, Anansi does not like this idea. So he secretly exchanges the gold in his bag with stones and gives the bag to the lion. When he ask how he can get bigger, by eating the cocoa bean on the largest tree by the Niger River. Throughout his journey to the Nile River, he gets lost and needs directions. Every time he stops and asks the villagers for help they ask him for something in return – his gold. By the time he gets to the Niger River, he has no more gold left. When he gets to the tree he eats as many cocoa beans as he can. To his surprise, he starts to shrink! Everyone laughs at him and the lion realizes that he also got tricked when he notices the stones in his bag. He finally learns his lesson – What goes around, comes around!
The villagers all celebrate!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Homework - How could I forget?
Here is the homework:
Sona’s Class Homework
-Finish dialogue that has been started
-Create a celebration dance (we’ve started this and finish it), use movements from visiting artist and their own inspired movements
-Been split into two groups, each group must create and present two drumming patterns, either based on visiting artist or their own ideas (which they had plenty)
Amanda & Mubeen Homework
-6 groups, 4 lines, each group will come up with the genre they want for each song, write some notes about the mood or ideas for the feel of their songs, describe what the song will sound like, fast or slow, loud, soft, mood, what is being expressed
**finish song lyrics and email to Adam by Friday
-Edit dialogue to less than what is there
-simplify and refine story, less = more
Sona’s Class Homework
-Finish dialogue that has been started
-Create a celebration dance (we’ve started this and finish it), use movements from visiting artist and their own inspired movements
-Been split into two groups, each group must create and present two drumming patterns, either based on visiting artist or their own ideas (which they had plenty)
Amanda & Mubeen Homework
-6 groups, 4 lines, each group will come up with the genre they want for each song, write some notes about the mood or ideas for the feel of their songs, describe what the song will sound like, fast or slow, loud, soft, mood, what is being expressed
**finish song lyrics and email to Adam by Friday
-Edit dialogue to less than what is there
-simplify and refine story, less = more
4th Class Wrap Up
Tuesday’s class went very well, if not a little chaotic. We started off with a quick game and a vocal warm up as per usual.
With Amanda & Mubeen’s class, we delved right into making some decisions about the style of their opera and some starting places for movement. We made the following decisions:
-their opera would be based on a rock, hip hop and r & b base
-we would create different themes for the different contests in the story and for all the different characters
-we would create movement for the winner’s dance as well as incorporating movement through out the piece
We then broke down into three groups: movement, text and song to work on those aspects of the piece. I challenged Amanda or Mubeen to work on the text and pare it down as it was quite lengthy. I worked with the movement group to come up with some movement vocabulary. We came up with the beginnings of a dance and some movements to represent the goddesses and gods in the story. Adam worked with the music group to begin a lyric creation process.
My only concern for this A & M’s class is the story is a bit confusing and needs to be ironed out. If I can give them the task of doing this next week, then I think we will be well on our way.
Sona’s class went very well. We started off with a warm up game and some singing. I really got them to over exaggerate the vowels and open their mouths and this helped their sound immensely.
They wrote some great lyrics which Adam will work on music for next week. We also had a brainstorming session with this class for some starting ideas from the story for movement and music. We broke down into smaller groups like we did for A & M’s classes, but I gave Sona the task of creating some dialogue and narration bits as this story didn’t have much dialogue at all. For Sona’s class, Adam and I already have some ideas of character breakdowns and how the final piece might shape up. I am thinking, we will have a narrative chorus of about 10 - 12 students, a movement chorus of about 10 – 12 students and Anansi and other character might be played by 3 different students and then another 6 students providing instrumentation. This is just an idea however and I will flesh out more in the next few days.
Next week, I have the daunting task of piecing all of the work together...These operas are really shaping up!
With Amanda & Mubeen’s class, we delved right into making some decisions about the style of their opera and some starting places for movement. We made the following decisions:
-their opera would be based on a rock, hip hop and r & b base
-we would create different themes for the different contests in the story and for all the different characters
-we would create movement for the winner’s dance as well as incorporating movement through out the piece
We then broke down into three groups: movement, text and song to work on those aspects of the piece. I challenged Amanda or Mubeen to work on the text and pare it down as it was quite lengthy. I worked with the movement group to come up with some movement vocabulary. We came up with the beginnings of a dance and some movements to represent the goddesses and gods in the story. Adam worked with the music group to begin a lyric creation process.
My only concern for this A & M’s class is the story is a bit confusing and needs to be ironed out. If I can give them the task of doing this next week, then I think we will be well on our way.
Sona’s class went very well. We started off with a warm up game and some singing. I really got them to over exaggerate the vowels and open their mouths and this helped their sound immensely.
They wrote some great lyrics which Adam will work on music for next week. We also had a brainstorming session with this class for some starting ideas from the story for movement and music. We broke down into smaller groups like we did for A & M’s classes, but I gave Sona the task of creating some dialogue and narration bits as this story didn’t have much dialogue at all. For Sona’s class, Adam and I already have some ideas of character breakdowns and how the final piece might shape up. I am thinking, we will have a narrative chorus of about 10 - 12 students, a movement chorus of about 10 – 12 students and Anansi and other character might be played by 3 different students and then another 6 students providing instrumentation. This is just an idea however and I will flesh out more in the next few days.
Next week, I have the daunting task of piecing all of the work together...These operas are really shaping up!
Week 4
I am really impressed with the lyrics my students came up with while I was away all of last week.
After reading a few stories about Anansi myself, I have realized my students have protrayed Anansi incorrectly in their story. Something, I should have done before which I did today was have groups of students (7 groups) read 7 different stories involving Anansi. After reading the stories, the groups came up with characteristics of Anansi and provided proof from the text. We have know concluded that Anansi is not the nice and kind spider we protrayed in our story but infact he is a trickster, greedy, naughty, lazy, etc.
So, as a class we have decided to start the opera with a song that outlines these characteristics (Adam, we'll have the lyrics ready for this for next week!). However, throughout our opera, Anansi wants others to change their opinions about him and hence is trying to be kind and helpful to everyone.
The students want to change some parts of the story we have written after reading the stories today. We will work around the story not making any changes to the lyrics.
In the groups we were seperated in yesterday, my group worked on the text and changing it into a script. This was more difficult than I had thought. Even though we didn't get much written down, we had a great discussion about the characters that were involved and talked about possible settings. It was great to hear the students incorporate what we have been learning in class about physical regions of Africa, natural resources, how drums are craved, etc. into their opera.
The students were really excited and wanted to include a lot of dialogue. They had so many ideas and wanted to include them all! I am trying my best to keep it short and simple. This is such a difficult task!
In my notes I have the set design and costume prep scheduled for next week. Is this still on for next week?
Sona
After reading a few stories about Anansi myself, I have realized my students have protrayed Anansi incorrectly in their story. Something, I should have done before which I did today was have groups of students (7 groups) read 7 different stories involving Anansi. After reading the stories, the groups came up with characteristics of Anansi and provided proof from the text. We have know concluded that Anansi is not the nice and kind spider we protrayed in our story but infact he is a trickster, greedy, naughty, lazy, etc.
So, as a class we have decided to start the opera with a song that outlines these characteristics (Adam, we'll have the lyrics ready for this for next week!). However, throughout our opera, Anansi wants others to change their opinions about him and hence is trying to be kind and helpful to everyone.
The students want to change some parts of the story we have written after reading the stories today. We will work around the story not making any changes to the lyrics.
In the groups we were seperated in yesterday, my group worked on the text and changing it into a script. This was more difficult than I had thought. Even though we didn't get much written down, we had a great discussion about the characters that were involved and talked about possible settings. It was great to hear the students incorporate what we have been learning in class about physical regions of Africa, natural resources, how drums are craved, etc. into their opera.
The students were really excited and wanted to include a lot of dialogue. They had so many ideas and wanted to include them all! I am trying my best to keep it short and simple. This is such a difficult task!
In my notes I have the set design and costume prep scheduled for next week. Is this still on for next week?
Sona
Hi All!
So here's my update on yesterday's classes at North Kipling JMS:
In Amanda and Mubeen's class, we split into three groups. Sedina polled the class about musical styles they wanted to work with, and came up with Rock, Hip-hop and R&B. I took the group of students who wanted to work on music, and we talked a bit about song-writing (rhythm and rhyme scheme, etc.) and character introductions through song. I split my group further into six groups of two, assigned each group a character and assigned them the work of writing a four to eight line song about their character. There were only five main characters, so the last group is going to write a 'challenge' song, to be sung when Aries challenges Zeus to a duel. As well as a few lines of lyrics, they have to write a few words describing the mood and character of the song, and jot down any ideas they have as far as the musical quality of the song. Hopefully, they can get that to their teachers by Friday, and I'll have the weekend to set their songs to music, since it's getting down to crunch time.
Sona's class presented their songs, which are fantastic:
Anansi only wants to help,
The others turn their heads away.
Dulayha makes a strong command,
"Out you go...go today!"
All alone, he leaves his home,
Sadness fills his heart.
To a new land he sadly goes,
Forced to make a brand new start.
Anansi arrives in Sierra Leone.
He is feeling low.
Very soon he meets a stranger,
A man he does not know.
A potion given
Brings new hope.
His tiny size
makes it hard to cope.
Conflict and anger are in the air.
King and traders are head to head.
Anansi has an idea to share.
"Listen to me," he firmly said.
Such a small spider,
No one believed.
When the truth came out
All were relieved.
Happiness was felt by all,
Anansi saved the day.
Judging other is not right
And often gets in the way.
I'll set these songs to West-African inspired melodies...I'm thinking to keep it mostly a capella. Sedina then split the class into three, and I worked again with the group of students interested in making music. We came up with points in the story where we would like to use the Guinean drumming they know, and I split them into two groups. Each group will have to come up with two differnt rhythm patterns for next week and present them on the Djembe, Kashishi, Ahache and Gankoqui. We'll use those patterns to accompany the movement parts of the story, when Anansi travels between countries, etc.
Well, that's all for now...next Tuesday should be interesting, putting it all together!
So here's my update on yesterday's classes at North Kipling JMS:
In Amanda and Mubeen's class, we split into three groups. Sedina polled the class about musical styles they wanted to work with, and came up with Rock, Hip-hop and R&B. I took the group of students who wanted to work on music, and we talked a bit about song-writing (rhythm and rhyme scheme, etc.) and character introductions through song. I split my group further into six groups of two, assigned each group a character and assigned them the work of writing a four to eight line song about their character. There were only five main characters, so the last group is going to write a 'challenge' song, to be sung when Aries challenges Zeus to a duel. As well as a few lines of lyrics, they have to write a few words describing the mood and character of the song, and jot down any ideas they have as far as the musical quality of the song. Hopefully, they can get that to their teachers by Friday, and I'll have the weekend to set their songs to music, since it's getting down to crunch time.
Sona's class presented their songs, which are fantastic:
Anansi only wants to help,
The others turn their heads away.
Dulayha makes a strong command,
"Out you go...go today!"
All alone, he leaves his home,
Sadness fills his heart.
To a new land he sadly goes,
Forced to make a brand new start.
Anansi arrives in Sierra Leone.
He is feeling low.
Very soon he meets a stranger,
A man he does not know.
A potion given
Brings new hope.
His tiny size
makes it hard to cope.
Conflict and anger are in the air.
King and traders are head to head.
Anansi has an idea to share.
"Listen to me," he firmly said.
Such a small spider,
No one believed.
When the truth came out
All were relieved.
Happiness was felt by all,
Anansi saved the day.
Judging other is not right
And often gets in the way.
I'll set these songs to West-African inspired melodies...I'm thinking to keep it mostly a capella. Sedina then split the class into three, and I worked again with the group of students interested in making music. We came up with points in the story where we would like to use the Guinean drumming they know, and I split them into two groups. Each group will have to come up with two differnt rhythm patterns for next week and present them on the Djembe, Kashishi, Ahache and Gankoqui. We'll use those patterns to accompany the movement parts of the story, when Anansi travels between countries, etc.
Well, that's all for now...next Tuesday should be interesting, putting it all together!
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