The Secret River Lesson Plan

Page vs. Stage

Kind of Activity:

Mixed Media

Objective:

Students will read and watch clips from the stage adaptation of The Secret River, analyzing how different interpretations add different layers to the story.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1

Structure:

In addition to being a popular novel, The Secret River was adapted into a highly acclaimed play by Andrew Bovell. For this activity, students should be given copies of Bovell's script. The script is available online with a subscription to AustralianPlays.org.

Have students read the script aloud, assigning roles to each student....