Follow Up Activities Writing A Review Of Grease Curriculum Links: GCSE/GNVQ level Drama/Performing Arts To write a review, watch the show carefully and write notes during the interval or after the play – we ask that you do not write notes during the performance. What do you see and hear on the stage and in the audience when you are waiting for the play to begin? To work out what effects are being created in the production, ask yourself these practical questions and think about why these choices have been made: The • • • •
Set what is your first impression of what you see? what shapes, levels and colours are being used? how does the set hide or reveal the actors? how are the different locations and scenes in the show demonstrated?
Costume • what colours and styles are being used, and what do they tell us about the historical period of the show? • compare different costumes, for example Sandy’s look at the beginning and her transformation for “You’re The One That I Want” or the difference between Kenickie and Eugene’s costumes. • How does costume help define a character?
The Performers • how does each actor create their character through the way they move? • how effective is the transition from speech to song – can you give an example of a point in the show where this happens? • how do the performers use the set? • how do the performers relate to the audience – and when does this change? • which performances do you find the most convincing? Why? Which performances do you find less convincing? Why? • how do the dances affect the mood of the show? And lastly how does Grease make you feel? “Grease doesn’t have a message…it gives a flavour of being a teenager in the 1950s – when Rock n’ Roll and putting grease in your hair were the most important things in life..” David Gilmore, Director Do you agree or disagree? What are the differences and similarities for teenagers today? If you wrote a musical about your lives, what would it celebrate?
Write notes here
Lighting • what colours and shades are being used to create time of day or location or mood? • what levels of brightness are being used? • think about angles of light - who is well lit and who is in shadow? • when do the lights change? • what atmosphere and emotions are suggested by the lighting?
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