Play in a Day Synopses - History Titles
Flower Of Scotland
One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.
First it was Romans. Then Vikings. After that it was the English... Edward I, II and III all had their hands full dealing with their neighbours north of the border. From the religious conflict between Mary Queen of Scots and not-so-good Queen Bess to the Jacobite rebellion and the legend of Bonnie Prince Charlie; it's a real roller-coaster ride for anyone trying to run the country they call Scotland... especially if your name happens to be James!
Something's gotta give... Yes, it's the very latest performance workshop from Konflux Theatre's acclaimed Play-in-a-Day series. Flower of Scotland charts the history of the Scottish Wars of Independence. From the Highlands to the Lowlands, from the islands to the Borders via loch and glen this is the land of tartan kilts, shortbread and bagpipes... or is it? What's the real story? Was Sir William Wallace really just an Australian barmpot covered in blue make-up? What was Robert the Bruce doing sitting in a damp, dark cave? What on earth was Bonnie Prince Charlie doing stuck up a tree? And what's all this got to do with being Scottish in the twenty-first century, by the way?!
All this and more is explored during an exciting and thought-provoking day long rehearsal with one of our professional directors, culminating in an interactive performance by and for students in Primary 4-7. Working together as actors to create a fun, action-packed performance, informing as much as it entertains, students will explore a wide range of events and issues. Key skills and values such as problem-solving, teamwork, personal discipline, self-expression, confidence building and... oh yes... FUN... all play a big part in this unique and colourful learning experience.
The true nature of the conflict between kings, warriors, heroes (Hurrah!) , villains (Booooo!), clans and dynasties involved in the Scottish wars of independence is laid bare in Konflux's own inimitable style. Exploring the national, international, cultural and political upheavals which helped forge a nation's proud identity.
Flower of Scotland is brand new to the Konflux play-in-a-day repertoire for 2012!
All The King's Men
What happened in 1914 and why? Who got caught up in it and suffered the devastating consequences? What if you didn't want to fight? The Great War truly has become a metaphor for hell on earth. This all-action play-in-a-day is perfect for students looking to gain a greater overview of this terrible episode in our history.
This time we're marching into the rain and muddy trenches of the Western Front, galloping across the desert with Lawrence of Arabia, storming the beaches at Gallipoli and fighting with our brave Pals and allies on land sea and air (pausing only for a quick game of footie in no-man's land on Christmas Eve). Robert Graves and Wilfred Owen struggle to compose war poems under fire, Siegfried Sassoon throws his medal in the river and poor old Rupert Brooke is already a corner of a foreign field . Meanwhile, back in Blighty, indefatigable ladies manage to keep the home fires burning and the wheels of industry moving... but why are some turning yellow?! Yes, it can only be the latest performance workshop from Konflux Theatre's acclaimed Play-in-a-Day series.
Another exciting, lively and thought-provoking day long rehearsal with one of our professional directors, culminating in an interactive performance by and for KS3 students. Working together as actors to create a fun, action-packed performance, informing as much as it entertains, students will explore a wide range of events and issues. Key themes such as the value of teamwork, personal discipline, self-expression, confidence building, problem solving and... oh yes... FUN... all play a big part in this unique learning experience.
The truly global nature of the conflict and the countries involved, the development of terrifying new technologies and the dreadful, blood-soaked, tactics of smug Generals sitting safely behind the lines are all on display. Zeppelins and bi-planes, submarines, battleships, tanks, gas and artillery all meant slaughter on an industrial scale, but where did horses, dogs and pigeons come in to it? Exploring the national, international, cultural and political changes that defined an era All The King's Men is brand new for 2012.
This latest performance workshop works both as a stand-alone and as a companion piece to Konflux's forthcoming All the King's Horses - a play-in-a-day exploring the text of Michael Morpurgo's Warhorse.
Remember, Remember (Gunpowder Plot)
When good Queen Bess pops her royal clogs, the Tudor dynasty comes to an end. James 1st is her successor. James really can't be done with all these fawning peasants but frankly he's gonna look gorgeous come what may, so… it looks like there could be fireworks ahead.
Suddenly there is great tension across the land as Catholics fear for their safety and Protestants fear a backlash from powerful enemies abroad. Everyone is jostling for power and getting ready to take any chance that comes their way. The trouble is one Will Shakespeare, playwright, is suffering from writer's block. It is a time of spies, plotting, traitors and gunpowder. Powerful enemies lurk in the shadows and the defence of the realm is at stake, no less. In the Midlands a group of wealthy gentlemen meet and decide the time is right to strike a blow for their cause. This King and Parliament just have to go, folks. Boom! Thirteen conspirators, thirty barrels of gunpowder and one rather nervous Guido Fawkes caught looking very shifty indeed. Bang to rights.
In this explosive and fun-filled presentation we meet the real people behind the infamous 'Gunpowder Plot'. Children can explore the incident itself, discover a host of real life characters connected to it and together we'll ask who was really behind the plot and why. Meanwhile poor Will continues to twiddle his quill pen and stare at his blank parchment… Something's got to give.
Have a Heart
The Aztecs. Who were they? What do we really know about them? Why did they suddenly disappear? In the deep dark jungles of South America, Montezuma and his Aztecs are on the warpath. With bright feathers, masks of solid gold and a host of unpronounceable gods they are the biggest bullies on the block… until General Cortez and his Spanish Conquistadors decide to drop in for a bit of casual theft, slaughter and mayhem. Meanwhile King Ferdinand of Spain is screaming for gold, the Pope is screaming for souls to save, the Aztecs are screaming for human sacrifices and Columbus' parrot is just, well, screaming. There's more to these exotic chilli peppers than meets the eye… The search for sight of Eldorado, the feeling power, the thirst for blood (and boy are these guys thirsty!) and the all-conquering taste of chocolate; it's all rolled up into one big adventure… if you have the heart for it.
Ideal for KS2 & KS3, this new title for 2009 is highly interactive and works on several levels. First, by exploring the many aspects of bullies and bullying through the history and context of ancient cultures it allows students to consider emotive issues in a 'safe' environment. Second, it affords a real insight into the day to day life of the mysterious Aztecs and their neighbours. Third, it allows students to explore the nature of story-telling through drama … and if all that isn't enough in a single day - how about the fact that it's a fun-packed, rip roaring story too?
The Life & Times of Robert Burns
"For a'that, an' a' that, It's coming yet,
For a'that,
That man to man, the warld o'er,
Shall brothers be
For a'that"
Robert Burns
Who was Rabbie Burns? What's all this about him being Scotland's National Bard? Burns Night? Haggis,neeps and tatties ? Poetry and a ladies man? Its all here in The life and times' O Rabbie Burns !!!!
Konflux's brand new , exciting & hilarious Play in a day all about Robert Burns, his colourful life and how he became one of the most famous figures in literary history!!!
All this and more is explored during an exciting and thought-provoking day long rehearsal with one of our professional directors, culminating in an interactive performance by and for students in Primary 4-7. Working together as actors to create a fun, action-packed performance, informing as much as it entertains, students will explore a wide range of events and issues. Key skills and values such as problem-solving, teamwork, personal discipline, self-expression, confidence building, drama and... oh yes... FUN... all play a big part in this unique and colourful learning experience.
This new Play in a Day addressing the life and times of Robert Burns, Historical heritage and culture will always be important and exciting for children all over Scotland and the world and we want to give them a fantastic creative opportunity to celebrate this for years to come!!!
Albie's War (World War 2)
Albie keeps a diary. Nothing special about that, you might think, until one morning the Headmaster announces the whole school is to be evacuated to the countryside. It's the adventure of a lifetime for Albie and his pals as they scramble aboard a train into the unknown. Told with passion and warmth the story boasts an impressive cast of characters ranging from the Houses of Parliament, ARP Wardens and Land Girls to an American airman and Winston Churchill himself. This is WWII through the eyes of Albie Reid, aged thirteen and three-quarters.
Albie’s Peacetime
WWII is over. Albie Reid, evacuee, returns home to a whole new world. Gone are the familiar rows upon row of terraced houses and in their place stand modern tower blocks. Like all his friends and neighbours Albie has to come to terms with continued rationing (Boo!), the advent of TV (Cor!) and the arrival of rock’n’roll and hula-hooping (Hooray!). The politicians are fighting over Suez and the Cold War, the censors are fighting with Elvis’ dancing and the Teddy Boys..! Well, they’ll fight anything you’ve got… until the Sergeant Major bellows, “Get yer ‘air cut!” and their National Service begin. Everyone stands in queues for everything. Meanwhile on the other side of the world Edmund Hillary climbs Everest only to discover, much to his frustration, that even here one has to queue for the loo… Never had it so good..? Things will never be the same again; that’s for sure.
Exploring some of the key national, international, cultural and political changes that defined an era this dynamic, entertaining and thought-provoking piece is a new addition to Konflux Theatre’s acclaimed play-in-a-day series.
Greece is the Word
Ancient Greece; the Cradle of Civilisation. Where men were men but no-one dared argue with the women of Sparta - Home to the greatest thinkers, philosophers, writers and athletes of the day. Meet Alexander the Great, the young general who sulks if he doesn't get his own way, Herodotus the Historian (who thinks he's John Travolta) and Archimedes the mathematician who discovers displacement theory and accidentally invents streaking. This is a fun-filled ride through the age of classical Greece as you've never seen it before. Will anyone heed poor Cassandra? Will Pandora open the box? Will our hero escape the snake haired Medusa? Hang on; the Chorus would like a show of hands, please…
The Victorians
"Cor blimey Guv'nor!" This fast-paced trip around Victorian England takes us from life in the workhouses to the first home of Dr Barnados. We touch on the influence of Darwin, the introduction of a police force and the struggles faced by those in sickness and poverty before the advent of modern medicine. The Victorians is a real ensemble play - the group are posed for a Christmas card one moment and creating a weaving machine with just their bodies the next! The play provides a good overview of issues and lots of stimulus for follow-up work.
Meet the Tudors
King Henry believes in having a good time. It would be even better if he wasn't lost in his new maze at Hampton Court. All he wants is a son and heir, but his queens keep having baby girls - so they'll have to go. Time for cut-backs in the royal household and the Executioner is on overtime already. When good Queen Bess inherits the throne there are sighs of relief all round but the Axeman is soon in full swing again. Talk about a dysfunctional family! A glorious pageant of the Tudor age - from the Wars of the Roses to the Spanish Armada. And just what does the saucy Earl of Essex think he's playing at..? There are spies everywhere. Trust no-one!
Cleopatra's Egypt
Step back in time to Ancient Egypt! For as long as anyone can remember every King has been called Ptolomey and the people haven't been able to understand a word they say - "It's all Greek to me!" someone was heard to shout! But then Cleopatra comes to the throne with the help of Julius Caesar… but when Caesar dies Cleo counts on his friend Mark Antony - much to the annoyance of Rome! A fast paced, hysterical and historical play.
When in Rome
The rise and fall of the Roman Empire in ten minutes! Check out the murderous Caesars; crazy Caligula, cruel Claudius, calculating Commodus and Nero, the Rapping Emperor. From the humblest slaves to the highest Senators they’re all here to enjoy in a fast, dynamic look at the greatest empire the world had ever seen. The Citizens of Rome, the last stand of Queen Boudicca of the Britons. Who’d have believed so much would come from two little baby boys being rescued and raised by a she-wolf all those years ago?
1066 The Battle of Hastings
Edward is king and Harold is his loyal servant, but William fancies the English crown so when Harold takes a trip to France he finds himself swearing allegiance to the Norman king only to face him across the battle field on the most famous date in English history.
A comprehensive re-telling of Harold and William's story with lots of humour, 1066 - The Battle of Hastings is perfect for classes studying the period and is a good introduction to ensemble drama work.
The Vikings
For nearly 300 years the Vikings carried out raids on the British Isles . They were exceptional travelers - it is even believed that they reached America hundreds of years before Columbus. This play tells the story of the Viking people - their raids on the British Isles, their religion, culture, politics, food and lifestyle. It is fun and lively, guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone's face. Learn about the thunderous Thor, the legendary Longships and the Viking's 'Things'!
Monstrous Mines
Inspired by the Horrible Histories collection, this is a brief look at some of the more unsavoury and dangerous aspects of life in a coal mining community many years ago. From pit ponies, child labour and the fear and tragedy of accidents, Monstrous Mines looks at the way that life has changed for miners and their families and celebrates the heritage and bravery of communities whose livelihoods were built on coal.
Fire in the West
For many, he was the true Prince of Wales. Here the legendary figure of Owain Glyndwr is brought to life by the Bards of Wales who tell us the tale of Owain's struggle against the English to bring a national Church and Parliament to his country of birth. This title is also available in the Welsh language. Please contact us for details of other titles available in Welsh.
Titanic
Of all the tales of maritime disaster none have the enduring impact of the tragic events that unfolded on the 15th April, 1912. RMS TITANIC. The largest man made object ever to move. The most luxurious and iconic ocean going liner ever to set sail... and deemed by the owners and designers of her parent company the White Star Line to be 'unsinkable'. It's an age of great technological innovation and a fascination with exploration and expansion. Men still rule the roost... but not if the Suffragettes have anything to do with it (and they're not afraid to play dirty). Political and social revolution is the order of the day at home and internationally. As Robert Falcon Scott and his team battle towards the South Pole armed only with sturdy boots, woolly jumpers and a stiff upper lip, a rival Norwegian team have, er... told a few fibs and are already way ahead of them. The bounders! Scott's dignified scientific expedition suddenly becomes a race...
Meanwhile, on board the Titanic, things are looking good; very good. All 48 millionaires are happy... Captain Smith, on his last voyage, is happy and even the people in third class are making the best of it. Making good time through calm seas under a starry sky and with all the latest maritime technology at her disposal what could possibly go wrong..? A century later the questions still keep coming. Why did Titanic only carry 16 lifeboats? Was there really a mystery ship only six miles away that didn't respond to distress signals? How could an unsinkable vessel sink? Perhaps the biggest question of all: who ultimately was to blame for the death of 1,500 lives? Could there have been a sensational cover-up? Oh and what does P.O.S.H. stand for?
It's full steam ahead for Konflux Theatre's brand new Play in a Day. Students will take their audience on an exciting roller-coaster emotional voyage through the events of that fateful night and it's historical context. Yes, it's another lively and thought-provoking day long rehearsal with our professional director, culminating in an interactive performance. Working together as actors, students will explore a wide range of key themes such as the value of teamwork, personal discipline, self-expression, confidence building, problem solving and... oh yes... fun. This unique learning experience may yet prove to be a day to remember. ALL ABOOOO-AARD!
For more information please call Rebecca on 01937 832740 or email rebecca@konfluxtheatre.co.uk
