Lizards Tale Introduction:
Introduction
Education Pack Introduction
Domestic abuse results from people failing to establish positive relationships. The ability to create successful relationships is learned very early and educational establishments are an important part of children’s experience in forming and developing them.
Gwent Theatre was delighted when approached by the Torfaen Domestic Abuse Team and asked to participate in their programme of educational activities aimed at highlighting schoolchildren’s awareness of the importance and rewards of establishing positive relationships. Following the successful application for funding from the Home Office the advisory group (established to guide and monitor the project) agreed that one of the most effective ways of presenting the issues was a through drama activities and theatrical performance; this was the start of Lizard’s Tale. It was also decided to finance participation for all Greater Gwent secondary schools, such was the perceived value of the project.
The play tells the story of Cal, a fourteen-year-old boy embroiled in the problems of his parents’ abusive relationship. Lizard’s Tale is not only about abuse and, in relating Cal’s narrative in his coastal home, deals with a range of topics relating to young peoples’ common experiences, such as:
- Bullying;
- Separation;
- Loss;
- Friendship;
- Love.
Each performance of the play will be followed by an interactive workshop where students and teachers will be given opportunities to develop the ideas presented in Lizard’s Tale and to bring their own views and reactions into an open forum, using drama techniques as a teaching method.
The Education Resource Pack will be available for teachers and those interested at the preview and will be sent to schools not represented prior to the company’s visit. For Lizard’s Tale there will be two major resources available for educators: the Safer Relationships Group has produced material for use in schools, specifically related to the issues and will be of use to all teachers. Gwent Theatre’s resource pack draws on ideas discussed in the play and will involve closer analysis of specific aspects of the text.
The whole project is a brave and exciting way of tackling a very important area of the curriculum. Although serious and challenging I am sure that the experience will be rewarding and enjoyable.
Paul Gibbins
Education Officer
Gwent Theatre
August 2007
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Introduction Word Document (.doc) | 2.06 MB |