Dramatic Literature (Plays)

Angels in America

Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes

CONTEXT/BACKGROUND:
Our next play is a play in two parts by American playwright
Tony Kushner. It has been made into a TV miniseries and an opera. The play is written for eight actors to perform, with all of them playing two or more roles.

We will be reading the first part, "Millennium Approaches." We will also be watching portions of the HBO miniseries, but only after you have had a chance to envision the characters for yourself.

TASK:
(1) Research the topics using the "Historical Context & Production History" links in the right hand column & the Angels in America vocabulary in the left column as a way to ensure that you have the background information needed to fully appreciate the play.

(2) Use the outline to take notes in preparation for our class discussions.

Shakespeare's England

During the next few weeks, we will be reading one of William Shakespeare's greatest plays, Hamlet.  To prepare, you and a partner will be conducting an exploration of Shakespeare's England.

TASK:  Use the vocabulary links to the left and the Shakespearean England links to the right to learn more about Shakespeare, his time period, and his plays.  Complete the Shakespeare worksheet in preparation for class discussion.

The Glass Menagerie

During the next few weeks, we will be reading one of Tennessee Williams’s most notable plays, The Glass Menagerie. To prepare, you and a partner will be conducting an exploration of the times in which Williams wrote and the subject matter that he dedicated his life to examine.

TASK: Use the links within the following sections: vocabulary, artistic terms, setting, and biography, to learn more about Tennessee Williams, his life, the times in which he wrote and the era surrounding The Glass Menagerie. Complete the “Behind the Scenes” worksheet in preparation for class discussion.