Memory Play Project

Please turn in your analysis of Brighton Beach Memoirs (see post below for details if you need to refresh your memory). This is due.

LAB PROJECT:

Write a short MEMORY play in which your protagonist remembers a difficult event in his/her early life growing up. Include the 4 stages of the coming of age story plot, as well as the 9 characteristics of a coming of age story in your play draft. See previous posts for help identifying these elements.

1. Start off by trying to recall a dramatic moment that you experienced (or that someone you know experienced--a family member, a neighbor, a friend, etc.)--recall who was involved and maybe what was said and by whom. What was the outcome? Jot down a list of details or make a mind-map of the details you can recall in your journal.
2. Fictionalize the details. Change the names or genders or ages of the real people involved and create a fictional cast list of at least 3 characters. You can combine people you know. If you have 2 sisters, combine them into one personality. If you have 3 old wives, combine them into one grandmother. If you have 200 friends, combine them into 2 friends. You get the picture.
3. Try to limit your cast to six characters or fewer.
4. Create a cast list with a brief description of each character (see cast list in your Brighton Beach Memoirs play scripts).
5. Describe a vivid setting for your play. Keep your play in one setting: a kitchen, a living room, a house like Brighton Beach Memoirs, a porch, etc. Base your setting on a place that you know well--although you can fictionalize this setting. Add details that are made up! See the set description at the beginning of the play Brighton Beach Memoirs for a model.
6. Choose some coming of age conflicts that your characters might talk about. Use your journal or the play Brighton Beach Memoirs for ideas. Order these conflicts from minor to major dramatic events. One technique is to use post it notes or index cards to order these events. You always want the most serious/important conflict to be your climax.
7. Begin writing your scene once you have completed all 6 steps before this one. 
8. Your play should be written as a script. For now, you can use the form used in Brighton Beach Memoirs. We will not use this form for long, as it is not the proper format for writers.
9. Your play should be between 5 - 10 pages in length (excluding your cast list and set description--see #4 & #5.) Include a title and number your pages in a header or footer. 
10. Do NOT double space your play scripts. It is okay to skip a single line (one hard return) between lines. Names should be typed in upper case. Stage/acting directions should be written in parenthesis. 

I will give you a specific deadline as I watch how much time you use in the lab. The more time you are on-task, the more time I will give you to complete this project. If you waste your time in the lab, I will give you an earlier deadline for your project.

If you need a bit of a break, take a look at the film Brighton Beach Memoirs based on the stage play. Do not avoid your own short play writing, though. 

Again, don't forget to turn in your "quiz"/analysis of Brighton Beach Memoirs.

HOMEWORK: None. You may continue working on your play projects. If you have completed reading Brighton Beach Memoirs and have examined its format for your project, you may return the play script to the library. Either way, bring your play scripts or library books to next class please.