Cuesheet Performance Guide
American Revolution Presented by Chicago’s Theater Unspeakable
Get ready to see the biggest historical story‌ in the tiniest space possible. Presenting Sponsor of Performances for Young Audiences
A Tale of Life and Liberty Virginia: 1753. Major George Washington kicks off his military career, and the stage is set for the rise of a new nation. Things get heated between Great Britain and the American colonies as disputes over government and taxation lead to violent conflict across the land. How will Washington and his fellow patriots go from being British subjects to citizens of the independent United States?
Finding Truth in a Legendary Story While we may like to think of “history” as fact, the truth is there are many different versions of history—or of any story—particularly when it comes to the American Revolution. The founding of America was probably a bit messier than you remember. The real story that unfolded between 1775 and 1781 featured many mistakes and misfires on both
the British and American sides. So though the Revolution left us with a brand new democracy, the whole episode in American history was far from perfect. Oh, and the key players most likely looked a lot different than you remember as well. Though landowners like George Washington and politicians like John Adams were central characters, so too were the men and women of many different colors and classes who kept things moving on the front lines and behind-the-scenes.
Reimagining Revolution Out of Thin Air Just as the Minutemen militia created an entire army using limited resources, these actors recreate epic events using only their bodies and voices. Look out for: ■ simple red leotard costumes, one small wooden platform, and only a few lights ■ actors playing multiple characters (example: Washington and “Billy” are played by the same person… why do you think the creators made this choice?) ■ mimed actions such as sailing, horse riding, and gun firing
What’s Your Version of Events? When a story is retold, certain points of view are bound to be left out. These activities help demonstrate how one tale can have many different perspectives. ■ Written history: Pick a Revolutionary battle and write a letter home about it as if you were a British soldier. What do you think of the colonists’ fight for independence? ■ Oral history: Choose two family members and ask them to recount an event they experienced together. Ask questions like “How did the experience make you feel… was it scary or surprising?” or “What kinds of sights and sounds do you remember?” When you’ve finished, try and identify the differences between the two retellings. ■ Music and art: Compare and contrast iconic songs and images with those you’ll hear and see on stage. For example, “My Country ’Tis of Thee,” which is heard at the end of the show, is an intentional rewrite of the British national anthem, “God Save the King.” Take a look at the lyrics to each song. Why do you think it was important to the colonists to change the words? Then compare and contrast the two images to the right. God save our gracious king Long live our noble king God save the king
How does this recreation of Washington crossing the Delaware River differ from the original painting shown here?
My country ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty Of thee I sing
Emmanuel Leutze’s famous painting has a few practical and historical changes. Can you spot any of his artistic choices? (Hint: The “Stars and Stripes” flag didn’t exist at the time of the crossing.)
Ready to Start a New Nation? A Few Last Things. . . Watch…
Move…
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How each actor uses specific gestures and accents to help them embody a character. (For example: One actor uses a southern accent when she plays Martha Washington, but loses the accent and folds her arms in a special way when assuming the role of Benjamin Franklin). Name five characters and discuss how their gestures and voices identify them.
If you were to play someone you love or admire in a show, what gestures or movements would you use? Use just your body (not your voice) to become someone else from your personal history. Focus on simple, clear actions and gestures. Try to recreate something from your memory you’ve seen this person do over and over again.
Check out the lives of Revolutionary figures by visiting an historical site in your area. For local students, check out Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon (pictured here). Other places to visit include Gadsby’s Tavern, Carlyle House, and Christ Church in Old Town Alexandria.
Listen… For the ways in which actors use their voices as sound effects for the American Revolution. Pay special attention to the onomatopoeia (on-uh-mat-uh-PEE-uh)—words pronounced like the sound they describe such as “bong” and “whoosh.” Try using onomatopoeia in a conversation with your friends.
Think about… Retelling a story from your own life using a small space and no costumes or props. Would these restrictions make you more or less creative when recounting your tale? Would you rather have lots of tools to tell your story or only a few? Explain.
David Samuel
Additional support for American Revolution is provided by A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation; the Kimsey Endowment; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; and the U.S. Department of Education. David M. Rubenstein Chairman Deborah F. Rutter President Mario R. Rossero Senior Vice President Education
Funding for Access and Accommodation Programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Major support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by David M. Rubenstein through the Rubenstein Arts Access Program. Kennedy Center education and related artistic programming is made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts. The contents of this Cuesheet have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. © 2018 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts