FOR P1 - P4 PUPILS
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018
MarthaWho is Martha?
Martha lives by the sea… Martha lives alone… Martha doesn’t need anyone… She is stubborn, eccentric and highly independent. Who are Martha’s friends? Not her next door neighbour. Not her helpful postman. Nor her secret admirer from across the bay. One day Martha has an unexpected visitor and her life will never be the same again. Martha returns following a well-received Theatre in Schools Scotland tour in 2016. “I think this performance would be hard to beat. If we could have a performance like that every year, it would be a real asset to our teaching and learning resources.” Leverhulme Primary, Isle of Harris. Audience size: 120
Running time: 55 mins Space required: clear, flat hall, min 8m x 12m Cost: £500 + VAT per day, two performances maximum For dates please contact: [email protected] INFORMATION FOR TEACHERSTeachers and children will enjoy the performance without prior knowledge of the story but the information packs below help teachers prepare and link to classroom plans.
For two short films to show your class to prepare your class for a theatre experience in the school hall, one for you and one to show them, please see the RESOURCES section of our website.
MORE INFORMATIONAbout the performance
Martha is performed by two actors, Martha and The Postie. There is also a puppet, a cheeky ‘Goose’. The set is Martha’s house, on a beach, across the bay from the harbour. The language is minimal and simple. At the start of the show, Martha likes to be alone, doesn’t like visitors, even the postman isn’t welcome. Things are just so, until a cheeky goose enters her world and she realises that maybe a bit of company wouldn’t be so bad after all. Our best reviewers are the teachers and children in the schools we visit. Martha toured extensively with Theatre in Schools Scotland in 2016. Here’s what they said: “Pupils, Teachers and Helpers were mesmerized by this wonderful performance. All of us from the youngest to the oldest absolutely loved it. Although it has been several weeks since we saw the performance, I as a teacher, still make reference to it when dealing with playground incidents and disagreements between friends. All the pupils related so well to Martha's character and were able to show empathy and understanding and also relate it to situations they find themselves in. For such a young age group to get so much from a play is just wonderful. “ Leverhulme Primary, Isle of Harris “Children were fully engaged in the show and it was pitched at the right level for their understanding. Storyline was relevant and the children could see the change in the character Martha as the play progressed.” Auchinairn Primary, Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire "Pupils loved the show- a couple of the pupils became upset when the goose left Martha but we were able to use this to discuss change and how we cope. We discussed how the visit to Martha by the goose, albeit short, changed both of their lives.” A letter to Martha. Thank you for coming to our school. Our favourite part was when the goose was dancing in the house. The show made us feel very happy. Owen & Findlay, Glaitness. The performance is 55 minutes. The set is at floor level. The children will sit on carpets with rows of benches and chairs behind. The Stage Manager will greet the children as they enter the space and show them where to sit. Curriculum for Excellence Resources
Health and Wellbeing I am aware of how friendships are formed and that likes, dislikes, special qualities and needs can influence relationships. HWB 0-44a / HWB 1-44a I understand that people can feel alone and can be misunderstood and left out by others. I am learning how to give appropriate support. HWB 0-08a / HWB 1-08a Citizenship The power and importance of friendships and the challenges involved in sustaining them offers opportunities to begin discussions on difference and conflict ABOUT THE COMPANY
Catherine Wheels Theatre Company is Scotland’s most celebrated producer of work for children and young people, with 29 inspirational and original productions presented in 23 countries since it was formed in 1999. Catherine Wheels is also Scotland’s most well-travelled theatre company touring nationally and internationally taking productions to theatres, festivals and schools in communities and cities across Scotland and around the world. Whether performing at home or abroad, the company is delighted to create and share its imaginative and inspirational stories with young people wherever they are. Catherine Wheels are committed to bringing engaging work to as wide an audience as possible and each year take one show on an extensive tour of Scottish schools. www.catherinewheels.co.uk |
Presented by Catherine Wheels
Created by Andy Manley, Gill Robertson and Annie Wood Photography by Eoin Carey
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