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Exploring the stagecraft of 'Leave Taking'

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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain how the use of stage directions and stagecraft can enhance the storytelling of 'Leave Taking'.

Key learning points

  1. The technical elements of stagecraft, like lighting, sound, and props, can enhance the play’s action.
  2. Stage directions can reveal character emotions and development (for example Enid’s identity crisis).
  3. The contrasting settings of Mai's bedsit and Enid’s flat highlight key differences between them.
  4. Lighting and music can emphasise themes of nostalgia, loss and identity.

Keywords

  • Stagecraft - the technical elements of a theatrical production, including lighting, sound, and set design

  • Stage directions - instructions written into the script of a play, indicating stage actions, movements of performers and production requirements

  • Setting - a time frame or location in which a narrative takes place in literature or drama

Common misconception

Pupils may believe that the stage directions are written by whoever is putting on a production of the play.

Although there is some interpretation of how an actor peforms a scene, the stage directions will have been written by the playwright as part of the script.

Teacher tip

Before reintroducing the play, briefly explore the importance of stagecraft—particularly lighting, sound, and set design—and how these elements help communicate mood, character emotions, and themes. This will prepare pupils to understand how Pinnock uses these tools in 'Leave Taking'.

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' published by Nick Hern Books.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
The play 'Leave Taking' is written by Winsome ...

Correct Answer: Pinnock

Q2.
Which of the below is most accurate regarding the setting of 'Leave Taking'?

The play is mostly set in England, but some scenes take place in Jamaica.
Correct answer: The play is set in England, but the characters often make reference to Jamaica.
The play is set equally in both England and Jamaica.
The play begins in England but shifts to Jamaica for the play's conclusion.

Q3.
The play 'Leave Taking' is set in Britain in the ...

1960s
1970s
Correct answer: 1980s
1990s
2000s

Q4.
Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' has __________ setting where action takes place.

one
Correct answer: two
three
four

Q5.
Who is Mooma in 'Leave Taking'?

Correct answer: Enid's mother
Mai's sister
A Pastor Brod and Enid remember from Jamaica
Del's auntie
Viv's friend

Q6.
Why did Enid first migrate to England in 'Leave Taking'?

to escape a toxic relationship with her mother
Correct answer: so she and her husband could have a better life in England
she wanted to reconnect with her old friend Mai
she initially went to visit Brod but ended up staying permanently
she wanted her children to go to university and Jamaica had no universities

Assessment exit quiz

Download exit quiz questions (PDF)

6 Questions

Q1.
Where does the on stage action of Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' take place?

Jamaica
Correct answer: Britain
Canada
America

Q2.
Which element is NOT typically included in stage directions?

character movements
lighting instructions
Correct answer: audience reactions
use of props

Q3.
What is being described here 'the technical elements of a theatrical production, including lighting, sound and set design'?

Correct Answer: stagecraft, stage craft

Q4.
What do we learn about Mai in the opening stage directions of Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'?

Correct answer: she may be struggling financially
Correct answer: she may be depressed
Correct answer: she is drinking alcohol during the day
she is preparing for an imminent trip to Jamaica
she is expecting an important visitor

Q5.
In 'Leave Taking', scenes involving Enid after her mother's death are often presented through the stage directions and stagecraft as being performed in ...

Correct answer: partial darkness
harsh light
warm, homely lighting
colourful, vibrant lighting

Q6.
What is the symbolic role of Jamaican dub music in 'Leave Taking'?

Correct answer: It represents nostalgia, linking characters to their Jamaican memories.
It distracts the audience from emotional tension by adding humour.
It reflects the characters' complete assimilation into British culture.
It helps create a conflict between the characters and their past identities.

To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Exploring the stagecraft of 'Leave Taking', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...