Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 1 with director Rufus Norris
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use Rufus Norris’s ideas to help me watch Act 1 Scene 1.
Key learning points
- Norris explains the importance of the Pathé news clips in positioning the audience in a specific time and place.
- Direct address establishes Hortense as a confident character and fades as her heart is broken.
- Norris describes the audience’s “agreement” that allows imagination and make-believe in theatre staging.
- Act 1 Scene 1 begins with a hurricane and introduces the character Hortense.
Keywords
Pathé news clips - short, old-fashioned news videos shown in cinemas before TV was common and made by the film company Pathé
Ex-communicated - officially removed or cut off from a church or group
Discrepancy - a clear difference between two things that should match
Communal - shared by a group of people or used together
Common misconception
The Pathé news clips are just old videos used as a backdrop and don’t add meaning to the play.
The Pathé clips set the historical context and show a biased view of the British Empire. They contrast with the characters’ real experiences, deepening our understanding of the story’s themes.
Teacher tip
You may wish to consider the timing of this lesson. Each learning cycle can be taught as a standalone lesson if needed. This will ensure there is enough time to watch and fully engage with each of the videos.
Equipment
You will need the National Theatre production of 'Small Island', which can be found on the website 'Drama Online'. Act 1 Scene 1 is from the beginning to where Hortense runs off stage (00:27:22).
Content guidance
Contains strong language
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Is the statement true or false: Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Small Island' begins in a school house and there is a hurricane outside.
Q2.Which answer best describes Hortense’s tone in Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Small Island'?
Q3.In 'Small Island', when Hortense stops and speaks to the audience, this is an example of ...
Q4.In 'Small Island', which word does Mr Philips use to describe Michael's scientific views?
Q5.In Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Small Island', what dramatic device does Edmundson use to allow Hortense to share her memories of childhood and explain her background?
Q6.Is the statement true or false: Michael and Hortense experience the same upbringing in the Philips’ household.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which answer best explains the use of Pathé news clips shown at the start of Act 1, Scene 1?
Q2.Put these events from 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 1 in the correct order:
Q3.In 'Small Island', which answer best describes how Hortense’s use of direct address changes throughout the play?
Q4.What do the Pathé clips in 'Small Island' reveal about the portrayal of colonised countries?
Q5.Which answer best explains how the hurricane might function symbolically in Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Small Island'?
Q6.According to the 'Small Island' director Rufus Norris, what is the “agreement” between performers and audience in theatre?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 1 with director Rufus Norris, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 1 with director Rufus Norris, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the 'Small Island' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.