Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 2 with director Rufus Norris
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use Rufus Norris’s ideas to explain how different stage techniques bring Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island' to life.
Key learning points
- Act 1 Scene 2 transitions from Kingston Jamaica, 1939, to London England, 1941.
- In Act 1 Scene 2 we are introduced to Queenie who uses direct address until her story “catches up with her”.
- Norris explains the use of video footage in creating specific atmospheres and settings.
- Norris uses actors, shadows, and props to overcome staging challenges and vividly create the impact of the bombing.
- Norris acknowledges the humour in the scene compared to Scene 1.
Keywords
Transition - in theatre, it is a way of moving from one scene or moment to another using sound, lighting, movement, or set changes
Archive - a collection of old documents, photos, or videos kept for their historical importance
Footage - recorded video or film, often used to show real events or add meaning on stage or screen
Pragmatic - dealing with things in a practical and realistic way, rather than focusing on what is ideal or theoretical
Common misconception
There isn’t any humour in plays like 'Small Island' because the subject matter is too serious.
Humour is used in 'Small Island' to make the characters more relatable and to provide moments of relief during tense scenes. It helps the audience connect with the story while still exploring serious issues.
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'. Scene 2 is a transition (00:27:22) and ends with Michael's entrance (00:52:14).
Content guidance
Contains strong language
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Language may offend
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which answer best explains the dramatic purpose of starting 'Small Island' with a hurricane?
Q2.Who is standing by the doorway in the opening scene of 'Small Island' and showing no fear?
Q3.Which answer best explains the effect of Hortense’s direct address in 'Small Island'?
Q4.Which theatrical technique allows the audience to learn about Hortense’s background in 'Small Island'?
Q5.In 'Small Island', what happens to Hortense’s direct address as the play continues, according to Rufus Norris?
Q6.What does the director Rufus Norris say about the “agreement” between audience and performers in theatre?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'In 'Small Island', what theme does the cinema scene between Queenie and Bernard highlight, according to Rufus Norris?
Q2.How is Queenie described by Rufus Norris in Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island'?
Q3.What year does Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island' take place in?
Q4.Put these statements in order to summarise Scene 2 of 'Small Island's' emotional journey.
Q5.Is this statement true or false? During the air raid siren scene in 'Small Island', Bernard expresses his love for Queenie for the first time.
Q6.Which word beginning with the letter ‘t’ describes a way of moving from one scene or moment to another in theatre, often using sound, lighting, movement, or set changes?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 2 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 2 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.