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Working in partnership with the National Theatre, these new playscripts bring the theatre alive in the classroom. Each play has been carefully selected to ensure maximum impact and relevance to students, while the activities and teaching support are underpinned by National Theatre strategies so that teachers can feel confident using these approaches. Vibrant production images and the "Making the play" section show how the play is brought to life on stage while the activities combine a focus on English skills with the play as a perfomance. Across the centuries, children seek refuge in an old wardobe. It offers them protection from the outside world but is it really safe? The Wardrobe was commissioned as part of the National Theatre's Connections programme and takes audiences on a journey exploring how British history has been shaped and how the past is connected to the present.
A group of children across different historical eras seek sanctuary within the confines of an old wardrobe, only to question the true nature of their safety. The narrative follows these children as they navigate the physical and psychological boundaries of their hiding place, which serves as both a refuge and a portal to the past. The play utilizes a non-linear structure to examine the intersection of personal experience and broader historical events. The characters must confront the external pressures of their respective time periods while grappling with the limitations of their chosen shelter.
Readers and educators frequently highlight the play's effectiveness as a pedagogical tool for exploring historical themes in a classroom setting. Discussion often centers on the clever use of the wardrobe as a central motif that connects disparate time periods into a cohesive narrative. Critics note that the script balances character-driven drama with broader historical commentary, making it accessible for younger audiences. The play is often praised for its ability to encourage students to think critically about how the past informs the present. Many teachers appreciate the inclusion of production-focused materials that help students visualize the transition from script to stage performance.
Page Count:
120
Publication Date:
2018-06-25
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0198418434
ISBN-13:
9780198418436
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