Dramatize a Myth

Materials:

• Book of myths
• Paper
• Pencils

Time:

• About 45 minutes

Suggested Grouping:

• Cooperative groups

Introduce the activity by informing students that drama has its roots in ancient Greece, and the acting out of myths during festival time evolved into the first plays.

Ask small groups of students to choose one of the stories from the selection or a myth from another source to dramatize. Invite students to assign parts for the various characters, including a narrator. Explain to students that the ancient Greeks had a chorus of people, speaking as one, supply the narration. Have students create props, design costumes, and prepare background music or sound effects to help bring the stories to life.

Encourage groups to rehearse their performances and take turns presenting their plays for the whole class.