The way we preformed the play: We used the poem concentrating on the words in the poem. Also concentrating on voice, tone, rhythm, pace, and movement’actions.
Characters: Zaidia, Lisa, Fadumo, Rebbeca, Emily, Nadia and Supriya.
Lisa and Fadumo read out the poem while the rest of us acted out what was happening in the play. I was at the front guarding the others, when suddenly “Gas, Gas” was shouted by Nadia. We all run towards the back to grab out masks and quickly put them on but unfortunately there is one missing. So Christine sacrifices hers to become chocked by the gas and quickly her lungs fill and she chocks to death but the fumes. Christine died from the gas while the rest stood and watched what was going on. Then one by one we stood and walked infront of Christine, forming a line. Then from left to right salute towards the audience and stamp our feet in order to the last line in the poem.
All the stage directions:
٠ I stand at the front on watch of any people coming towards us.
٠ Fadumo and Lisa Standing opposite each other downstage left and right
٠ All run to upstage centre.
٠ All crowd around Christine centre stage
٠ One by one all walk to downstage centre
Lesson 2:
Activity:
Diary entry (Homework)
Props used: A passport photo of herself and her husband Alex
Thursday 5th September 1946
I am not very sure how I am going to begin, I have so many things to write. It is as if I am about to write all my feelings on this one piece if paper which this peace of carved wood that I am dipping into the ink. Looking at the ink is just reminding me of the amount of dripping blood that is spilling on the earth from the war. The things I am going to say all have equal importance so I am afraid of leaving anything out.
I received a letter from my darling husband this morning, explaining how he was. This was of course before I received the telegram about my loss. I had it right in my hand, in written form. I could not believe what I had just read I felt the tears filling my eyes. I remember in my head telling him that I refused to witness him go away to war. No matter how much a talked it felt like no body was listening whether I shouted or whispered still the same feeling. I feel empty I have no idea what I am meant to say or do. I have always hated war, all that killing and horrific scenes taking place for unexplainable reasons. We are all losing husbands, brothers, fathers you name it. People keep telling me it is very unfortunate that I lost Alex but I strongly disagree it is not unfortunate it is very unnecessary. If it wasn’t for this “wonderful country” and the people in power I would never have been in the position I am in now. Now not only am I a widow but I am a single person family. I understand I am not the only one because there are hundred of women in the same position as me, but doesn’t mean that I’m not one of them because I am. War is a undiscribable evil that we shouldn’t be participating in. It is unnatural to just go around killing people for power and money. Peoples blood and families can tell you this as they are the ones suffering most, they are paying for the leaders greed.
I must leave it as that, if anyone was to find out I had written such things I would be in unexplainable trouble.
Yours Lovingly Catherine
Lesson 3: