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Study Guide For Teachers Seth Reichgott In The Golden Lyre Presented by Young Audiences (866) 500-9265 www.yanj.org www.yaep.org ABOUT THE PROGRAM It was a dragon-like monster called the Gorgon who not only stole the lyre (pronounced liar), but turned the King’s daughter to stone. The only way she can be changed back is by hearing the music of the lyre. The problem is, no one knows where the Gorgon’s cave is located, nor is anyone foolish enough to make such a dangerous journey. It’s only when a young man named Alex shows up at the palace that things take a dramatic turn. The Golden Lyre uses a combination of poetry, masks, and mime, as well as call-and-response, where students make a host of wonderful sounds to help lead the story along. BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS CHARACTERS IN THE STORY: King Minos - a sad king whose golden lyre was stolen Princess Aleia – the king’s daughter, who was turned to stone Alex – a young man from a fishing village Myia – an enchantress, able to cast spells and look into the future Taveus the Fox - a sneaky character who lives in the forest LEARNING GOALS • • • • To offer a live, interactive theatrical performance appropriate for K-2 students and teachers To introduce young students to some mythological characters and the world of ancient Greece To inspire students to learn more about the myths and fables of ancient Greece To help K-2 students learn good audience behavior Gorgon – a dragon-like monster who turns people to stone, and who stole the golden lyre. A NOTE ABOUT THE K-2 AUDIENCE Early on, we found K-2 to be a special age group. The challenge was to develop material that dealt with mythology, but was better suited to the younger students’ needs. We also wanted to achieve the same levels of success we were experiencing with our older audiences. The Golden Lyre combines elements from Greek myths, fables and fairy tales. It’s constructed in a way that helps young student stay focused, and at the same time, gives them the chance to fully engage in the live theater experience. BEFORE THE PROGRAM • • • • • • What do we mean when we say Ancient Greece? How far back is 2,500 years? How was the ancient world different than our own? On a map or globe, can you fine Greece? Read some of Aesop’s fables. What do you think these stories mean? Do you know where Aesop was from? Find a picture of a harp or lyre. What other instruments are similar? Did you know that Greek lyres were sometimes made out of tortoise shell? Discuss masks and why people like to wear them. For kindergarten, bring a mask into the classroom and let students try it on. Make sure to talk about the difference between seeing a live performance and watching a performance by an actor on television or in the movies. Students need to know that they are an important part of the show they are about to see. The actor gets energy from them, so they need to make sure to give their full attention during the performance. AFTER THE PROGRAM • • • • • Discuss the story. What were some of your favorite characters? What parts were most funny? What parts were most scary? Talk about the ways the actor was able to convey the story. What were some of the things he used? What did he do to make the story interesting? How did he portray the magical elements – turning to stone, for example. Have the students draw a picture (or create a diorama) depicting a scene from the show. Have them present their pictures to the class and explain why this was their favorite part. Write a story called The Golden Lyre – Part 2. What happened to Alex and Aleia? What happened to all the children who were frozen in the forest? And the Gorgon? Much of The Golden Lyre is performed in rhyming verse. Why do you think the performer used rhymes to tell the story? Select a few words and see how many rhymes you can come up with. Write a small poem in rhyming verse. VOCABULARY WORDS ARTIST INFORMATION Cave – an opening in a cliff, sometimes inhabited by animals Lyre – a stringed musical instrument, similar to a harp Map – a representation of the earth, or part of the earth Spell – special words believed to have magical force Palace – a very large mansion, home to a king Mirror – a polished surface that reflects images Reflection – the image of something Goatskin – a container, as for wine or water, made from goatskin Statue – a sculpture representing a human or animal Desert – a dry, hot region with little vegetation River – a large stream of water (larger than a creek) Forest - large, densely wooded area Applause – show of approval by clapping the hands together Audience – gathering of spectators and listeners at event Actor – one who performs in a theater, on television, or in the movies Mask - a covering to disguise or conceal the face, sometimes worn by an actor. Seth Reichgott was a member of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble from 1992 to 1999, where he was part of more than fifty productions as actor, director, or writer. Seth was an original member of the touring street theatre troupe Le Pamplemousse, and his awardwinning slapstick clown show, Man Plans, has toured extensively in the United States and Canada. Seth has written several children’s plays about science, and recently appeared in The Arden Theatre company’s production of The Baker’s Wife in Philadelphia. He is a graduate of Wesleyan University and The Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre. RESOURCES Ancient Greece – Coloring Book Bellerophon Books The Librarian Who Measured the Earth, Vol. 1 by Kathryn Lasky Growing Up in Ancient Greece by Crhis Chlepi Classical Kids: An Activity Guide to Life in Ancient Greece and Rome by Laurie Carlson