Pretexts to develop a drama for Primary School
Developing a Drama from a pretext
Colm Hefferon Nov ’09
Possibility A :A drama where the end is known.
Pupils in role as officers in a court-martial in World War one.Possibility B: We do not know what decision he will make. The end is not known.Ireland 1917It is 1917. Ireland has been promised Independence if she agrees to fight for England in the Great war against the German Empire.Gerry Ryan is 13 in sixth class and lives near an army barracks He is mad about army life. He feeds the horses there after school each day and dreams of being a bandsman in the Munster Fusiliers, his dad’s regiment. Gerry’s Dad Sgt. Michael Ryan died in the battle of the Somme in 1916. Gerry has just won a scholarship to a military school, he starts soon in Aldershot.His Mum tries to keep things going taking in sewing of uniforms ,but its never enough. She is always cheerful but worries about her son Charlie and his future. His sister works in Arnott’s half time and is going out with Tim from the Accounts department. His brother Shane and sister Eileen are very important to Gerry . Eileen has a beautiful singing voice, she won the Feis Cheoil in 1916 ,just before her Dad died and has not sung since. She has money saved to pay for lessons with the singer Count John Mc Cormack.He adores his elder brother, Shane, who is working on the Independent Newspaper. He also adores his younger brother Charlie who has a learning disability.Shane is going out with a girl called Máire whose father also lost his life along with the one million who died in the Somme. She does not believe the English that they will give Ireland freedom. She is learning Irish and works backstage in the Abbey theatre. Gerry sees them every evening as he walks home from Wellington Barracks. Shane and Máire walk along the Quays to her mam’s flat in Eden Place.Newspapers are full of the losses in France. More young men are needed and Shane feels he should join up. But Máire is not so sure.One morning on his 18th birthday, a letter arrives for Shane in the flat. In it is a white feather.What should he do?
Ways to structure your ideas:Charts
(1) KDS What you KNOWWhat you DON'T KNOWWhat you SUSPECT
Group Roles:Mentioned and unmentioned. Private and Public
(2) QUESTIONS
WOW Chart-WHO would have quesions to ask?OF WHOM would they be asked?
Worst case scenario in each case( WCS)Friends WCS/Fathers friends/Family WCS/Neighbours WCS-Suggested areas for exploration
1. Time: Before and after
2. Unexpected friends arrive- the twist
Bibliography
Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo ( 11-14 yrs)
Its a long Way by Sebastian Barry.( Adult)
How Many miles to Babylon? Jennifer Johnston.
