JC_Performance_Assignment

=Performance Assignment: //The Tragedy of Julius Caesar//=

As you proceed through the reading of the play, I think that you will find //interpretation through performance// a helpful means of making sense of the text. As you know, you have a few choices for performance. For instance, you might: -perform a scene in group**
 * -perform one of the speeches
 * -or create performance art of your own design (let's talk about this one some more)**

__The most important requirement of the assignment is that you commit twenty lines of the text to memory and deliver those lines in front of the class. You will be assessed by your creativity and your ability to see the project through to its completion (i.e. you memorize all the lines and can deliver them in a way that is more thoughtful than recitation).__

Your Introduction: Before you recite your lines, you must tell your audience who you are playing, to whom you are speaking, and what is going on in the play at the time of the speech/scene. You might also speak to what is going on in the mind and/or heart of your character(s).

If you would perform a scene, then check with me first. Let me know what scene you would like to interpret and with whom.

If you would deliver a speech to the class, you may choose 20 lines from one of the following speeches:

I.ii.136-161 II.i.10-34 II.i.236-279 III.ii.254-275 III.ii.12-34 III.ii.74-107 III.ii.118-146 III.ii.209-230

or another of your choosing that fits the requirements of the assignment. You may work alone or in groups; you may invite the help of family or friends. Whatever your plans, please let me know what you are thinking by the end of this week. This assignment is due the week after next (November 5th and 7th).

__Tips on Memorizing Your Lines:__ 1. Break up the entire piece into chunks (3-5 lines a piece); memorize one chunk at a time (advice: use a 3x5 card for each chunk) 2. - Don’t start this the night before; the sooner you start, the more committed it will be; the more committed, the better performance. 3. Practice in front of a mirror, family, friends, pets, etc. 4. Record your voice and listen to it; listen in the car, in the ipod, on the computer, at night, in the morning, while eating; don’t overdo it, however, because this practice can make your delivery “canned.” 5. Lacy’s Tip: Read line 1, and then read lines 1&2, and then read lines 1,2,&3, and then read lines 1,2,3,&4. Etc. Do this once a day from now until it is due. 6. Revisit your reading everyday! Do not take ANY days off. One leads to two, two leads to three, and so on. = =