The Bacchae Lesson Plan

Live on Stage

Kind of Activity:

Mixed Media

Objective:

Students will watch a theatrical interpretation of the play and write an interpretation.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.7

Structure:

There are many filmed interpretations of The Bacchae available in English, from filmed performances on YouTube to recorded specials by major theatres. Macmillian Films has a recording of a 2008 production directed by James Thomas that is easy to find. Choose one of these to show the class.

Have students take notes while watching the play. Instruct them to play close attention to the director's decisions and how they affect the telling of this ancient story. Does the...