Ibsen, Strindberg & Chekhov Scheme of Work
(ages 13-14)
Overview
This six-lesson unit introduces students to Ibsen, Strindberg and Chekhov through short text extracts and practical work. Lessons combine contextual study of each playwright with movement-based approaches (Laban’s 8 Efforts), status work and conventions such as split scene, dramatic pause and symbolism. Starter exercises lead into practical development and student-devised pieces, with the unit concluding in an assessed performance based on a Chekhov extract.
What Students Will Learn
Students will explore how social and historical context shaped the writing of Ibsen, Strindberg and Chekhov, develop practical movement skills using Laban’s 8 Efforts, and apply dramatic devices such as status, symbolism and split scene. They will study text extracts, devise short pieces and rehearse for a final assessed performance drawn from Chekhov.
Week 1: Ibsen, Godfather of Realism
Introduces Henrik Ibsen and the themes of A Doll's House, including social and thematic context. Students explore a short extract through practical exercises and close text-led activity.
Resources IncludeResourcesExtract from A Doll’s HousePowerpoint SlidesHenrik IbsenWeek 2: Letters & Symbolism
Focuses on the role of written letters and their symbolic meaning in A Doll's House. Students investigate consequences and develop the symbolism through practical exploration and devised responses.
Resources IncludePowerpoint Slides"A Doll's House" - LettersWeek 3: Strindberg, Godfather of Naturalism
Introduces August Strindberg and naturalism, linking context to Miss Julie. Students complete Laban warm-ups and apply the 8 Efforts to an extract to explore naturalistic movement.
Resources IncludeResourcesExtract from Miss JuliePowerpoint SlidesAugust StrindbergLaban's 8 EffortsWeek 4: Status
Develops the use of status and changing relationships as presented in Miss Julie. Students create and perform devised pieces that demonstrate status shifts within the scene.
Resources IncludeResourcesA BellWeek 5: Chekhov, Godfather of Short Stories
Explores themes of unrequited love using Chekhov's The Seagull and the play's tone. Students use shadow movements to embellish devised pieces and introduce humour.
Resources IncludeResourcesExtract from The SeagullPowerpoint SlidesAnton ChekhovWeek 6: Assessment
Concludes the unit with an assessment based on Chekhov's The Bear. Students devise and perform an extract as the assessed practical task.
Resources IncludeResourcesExtract from The Bear
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