Angels in America Lesson Plan

Brecht's Influence on Kushner

Kind of Activity:

Individual Writing

Objective:

To understand the theoretical underpinings of Kushner's theatrical style

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.A; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.3

Structure:

Tony Kushner is a great admirer of the German dialectical theater artist Bertolt Brecht. Kushner based the first play he wrote on Brecht's The Private Life of the Master Race and structured it based on Brecht's principles. Students should investigate Brecht and consider how Brechtian influences are present in Angels in America, and how this theoretical approach might impact their staging.

ACTIVITY

1. Watch these two...