Topdog/Underdog Lesson Plan

Topdog Diaries

Kind of Activity:

Technology

Objective:

Students will become more familiar with the playwright and the background of the original production

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.3,

Structure:

Screen the documentary about Parks and the rehearsal process of the original production of Topdog/Underdog at the Public Theater.

Lead the class in a discussion about the film, providing scaffolding questions like:

• Does watching the documentary change your understanding of the play?
• What do you think of the performances of Jeffrey Wright and Don Cheadle as seen in the film?
• What do...