Radical Rebel with a Cause

Grades 7 & 8

2-3 days

Focus Questions:

1. What are some important social issues? Have these historically existed or are they current—or both?
2. What methods do people use to express their opinions? (conversation, newspaper, television, social media)
3. Is theatre a good way to inspire social change? Why or why not?

Instructional Resources:

• The Shaw Festival: Behind the Curtain
• Access to a library and/or computers for research

Activity

Talk about Shaw as a “radical rebel with a cause.” Research and write a paper about how he wrote about social injustices and which topics he wrote about. Include in your paper why you think theatre is or is not an appropriate outlet for addressing or educating people on social issues.

Useful link:

• Poetry Creates Identity in Verse from PBS Learning Media

Download Radical Rebel with a Cause (164.2 KB) Classroom Activity (PDF)