classroom activity
DISCUSSION Writers use many forms of inspiration to get started. Brooke Robinson was inspired by the image of a helium balloon slowly deflating. She then imagined its opposite (or counterweight), a person rising and floating away.
Bring in photos, magazines and web images that can be displayed in your classroom. In groups of 4, select 5 images that interest you. Discuss the images and decide on a “counter” or contrasting image. For example, the image may be of an old tree stump and your counter image may be a newborn baby. You don‟t need to draw a picture of the contrasting image, simply write it down. Present your images and counter images to the class.
PRACTICAL TASK Individually, select one of the images/counter images. What themes emerge from these two opposites? What could the images represent? What characters spring to mind when you look at the images? In what setting or environment could you place your character? On a continuum, map your character‟s journey from one image/point to the other. Think about the things that change your character. E.g.
The above journey can become a metaphor for a character‟s journey. Something old and dying is given new life. You may like to include obstacles on the continuum. Also, the journey may not be linear. Try showing the journey (narrative) in different ways (e.g. circularly, retrospectively or as a mosaic).
REFLECTION How does creating your own character and character journey help you with your preparation for your IP (performance or otherwise)?