LESSON PLAN : FRANTIC ASSEMBLY – THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE

Objectives:
Research the background of Frantic Assembly theatre company – read and make notes on
the first ten pages of the Introduction to Frantic Assembly (attached to this task)
Understand the influence of Frantic Assembly’s approach on the opening of the play.

Lesson Structure:
Access www.digitaltheatreplus.com
username: dohacollege password: doha222
search: Frantic Assembly Things I know To be True
Read the play up to the end of page 13. (the full script can be accessed on the digital theatre
website), the first two scenes of the play.

Make notes on the following questions in your journal:

 What do you imagine are the challenges for audience and performers in this opening
section of the play? What is striking/unusual/engaging in the text?
 What staging /costuming/ lighting design do you imagine for the play in reading this
opening?
Now watch the opening of the play, up until the end of Pip’s monologue. (11.22 on the
counter).
Answer the following questions in your journal:

 Make a note of how technical elements make an impact in this section of the play:
o Lighting - Focus on direction/ source/colour/focus of lighting
o Costume – what do the costumes suggest about the characters we are
introduced to, particularly Rosie.
o Sound – How does sound influence the mood
 How is Frantic’s distinctive style revealed in this opening section. Choose three or
four moments where the physical action/movement/interaction of the characters
convey meanings not explicit in the text. Practice describing these moments focusing
on the use of subject-specific language.
 What themes are suggested in the opening two scenes of the play? Make a list of
what ideas you think the play is set to explore.

[Please don’t go beyond the first 11:22 minutes yet!]