Greek Tragedies Scheme of Work
(ages 13-14)
Overview
This six-lesson scheme introduces three central female figures from Greek tragedy: Electra, Medea and Hecuba. Lessons combine monologue reading, devising and chorus work with practical techniques such as teacher-in-role, neutral masks, mime and courtroom improvisation. Resources explicitly referenced include printed monologues, a Medea plot outline, neutral masks and self-assessment sheets. Sessions conclude with performance and evaluation tasks so students can develop characterisation, ensemble skills and practical response to classical material.
What Students Will Learn
Across the unit students will develop characterisation through monologue and role work, create and perform Greek chorus verse, and use physical techniques such as neutral masks and mime. They will practise improvisation, narration and ensemble performance, and take part in structured evaluation using peer feedback and self-assessment.
Week 1: Electra
Introduce Electra through monologue reading and teacher-led context. Students read sections, take part in teacher-in-role as Electra, and devise paired improvised scenes exploring the familial rivalry.
Resources IncludeResourcesElectra MonologueWeek 2: Greek Chorus
Introduce the Greek chorus and its purpose in tragedy. Students form a diamond, practise movement and levels, then write six-line verse and perform their chorus pieces in small groups.
Resources IncludeResourcesElectra MonologueWeek 3: Introducing Medea
Introduce Medea via monologue and a courtroom improvisation to examine her actions. The class improvises roles (judge, jury/chorus, prosecution, defence) and conducts a trial culminating in a verdict.
Resources IncludeResourcesMedea MonologueWeek 4: Introducing Jason
Explore the relationship between Jason and Medea with and without speech, then develop chorus material. Pairs improvise, repeat scenes using neutral masks, and create chorus movement with spoken lines.
Resources IncludeResourcesMedea Plot OutlinePropsNeutral MaskWeek 5: Hecuba from the Trojan Women
Use guided imagery, mime and thought-tapping to inhabit Hecuba's experience after Troy's fall. Students mime walking through ruined Troy, receive thought taps, and write a lamenting speech in pairs.
Resources IncludeResourcesHecuba MonologueWeek 6: Assessment Lesson – Helen and Hecuba
Perform and evaluate a scene between Trojan women using mime, narration, neutral mask and thought-aloud techniques. Groups perform re-enactments, receive audience feedback and complete self-assessment sheets.
Resources IncludeResourcesHecuba MonologuePropsNeutral Mask
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(ages 13-14) · 6 lessons
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