This lesson was a pre-learning and pre-art exploration lesson, focusing on activating prior knowledge, fostering discussion and creating the raw materials for the opening scene for the devised final piece. The end result of this lesson will be the construction of material for a choral opening, followed by constructing tableaux as an entire class encapsulating the key terms that we all agree upon when we think of “Reconciliation” and “Justice.” (Approximately 75 minutes)

Learning Goals

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to: 

  • Discuss Reconciliation and Justice
  • Understand the purpose and function of Flow Writing
  • Co-construct Tableaux 
  • Develop a deeper understanding of symbolism 
  • Physically Interpret words
Readiness

This is a senior drama class.  All members of the class have taken Drama previously, and should have a good working knowledge of what is required in the lesson.

Terminology
  • Devised theatre or Devising
  • Collective Creation
  • Flow Writing
  • Tableau(x) 
  • Symbolism
  • Reconciliation
  • Justice
Materials
  • Handout of the assignment for Reconciling the Future (PDF #1)
  • A stage or open space for warm ups and physical creation
  • Pen, pencil or electronic device as an accommodation for writing
  • Paper or notebook
  • Cue cards

Minds On

Whole Class > Review Assignment Expectations

Discuss the assignment and go over the assignment sheet and expectations.

Individual > Flow Writing

Explain to students that "flow" writing is stream of consciousness writing. Artists can use it to create by removing expectations of perfection and allowing ideas to flow. Each round will be timed with 1-2 minutes for each prompt.

Share each prompt one-at-a-time and time students as they write giving them cues for the ending.

  • What does Reconciliation mean to you? 
  • What does Justice mean to you? 
  • What do you think of when you think of a Path Forward?

Have volunteers share their writing and discuss how it connects back to the prompts.

Collect everyone’s work to co-construct the opening sequence for the Collective Creation.

Whole Class > Warm-ups

Use warm ups that warm up the voice as well as prepare the body for movement and tableau such as 8 Shake / Shakedown, Mingle Mingle or others (See CODE's Physical Warm-ups resource and Vocal Warm-ups resource for inspiration.)

Action

Whole Class > Key Terms Brainstorm

As a class, create a word splash on the white board for every word that comes to mind when you think of “Reconciliation” and “Justice.” As a class, identify and agree upon (through discussion and consensus building) the top five terms that could be used to create tableaux (for example, the April 2026 group agreed upon - Power, Peace, Respect, Community, and Freedom).

Small Groups/Whole Class > Key Terms Tableaux

Construct five tableaux as a class, one for each of the top five words produced by the brainstorm.

Assign/have one student volunteer to be the Tableau Captain, and work through constructing each tableau in sequence, with everyone getting into position by the end of a seven beat count. 

Present all five tableaux and debrief as a class.

Key Questions for Discussion
  • What did we like?
  • What can we work on?
  • What are our next steps?
Teacher Note

A second 75 minute session could be used to consolidate learning and solidify the five tableaux.

Consolidation

Whole Class > Talking Circle

Have the students sit in a circle and debrief the day.

Key Questions for Discussion
  • What was a highlight of today? Why?
  • Why is it important to discuss and dig deeper into Truth and Reconciliation?
  • How do you feel about the work you created today? What are our next steps?

Whole Class > Exit Card

On a cue card, quickly jot down your thoughts on the following question:

  • What is necessary to create a site-specific theatre piece? 
Differentiation (DI)
  • Allow for alterations to the tableau and movement to accommodate any physical exceptionalities
  • Allow for the use of speech to text or assistive technology for the Flow Writing and Exit Card
Assessment as Learning (AaL)
  • The Flow Writing activity allows for an exploration of Reconciliation and Justice
  • Observations of the collaborative and creative process during the creation and troubleshooting of the five tableaux
  • Discussions and reflection sharing (note - students can pass in the Talking Circle, listening is participating)
Assessment for Learning (AfL)
  • The rough copy of the tableaux
  • Exit Card and debrief discussions
  • Observations throughout the creative process