Learning opportunities, curriculum links
Students in years 9–13 can use New Zealand play texts in all aspects of their drama work.
In particular, the curriculum specifies the study of New Zealand theatre at level 8 of the Understanding Drama in Context (UC) strand:
Students will investigate the forms and styles of contemporary New Zealand drama and how they reflect our growing cultural diversity.
The Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum, page 47
Also at levels 6, 7, and 8 respectively of the Understanding Drama in Context strand, students will:
- investigate the forms and purposes of drama in different historical or contemporary contexts
- research the production, performance, and purpose of drama in a range of contexts
- research and analyse how drama interprets and records social and cultural history.
The Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum, pages 45, 46, and 47
Studies of New Zealand play texts from a range of time periods and in a range of theatrical styles help to meet each of these achievement objectives.
New Zealand play texts can also be used as interpretive, supportive, and/or stimulus material across the other drama strands:
- Developing Practical Knowledge in Drama (PK)
- Developing Ideas in Drama (DI)
- Communicating and Interpreting in Drama (CI).
For example:
- New Zealand play texts can be used as source material for vocal and physical exercises (PK)
- extracts from New Zealand play texts can be used as stimulus material when devising (DI)
- New Zealand play texts can be used to interpret characterisation and as the basis for staged performances (CI).