Animal Farm - An Abridged Play

Subject: Drama
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 11 - 14
Order Number: 5170

Theatre is a powerful means of communication. Once a scene is enacted it is not easily forgotten; it becomes part of the actor-learner. The novel Animal Farm, lends itself very well to dramatisation. This play based as closely as possible on the text makes the novel come to life for the students. It can equally well be read, purely for the enjoyment it provides. It is intended, however, to complement the text. This play would suit a wide range of age groups: it is an engaging and funny animal story with profoundly serious undertones. Orwell's language is full of charm and humour. The words are changed as little as possible and the novel is simply abridged to make it manageable on stage. All of the important details and the most memorable speeches are included. Basic and minimal props are used and the students can be encouraged to use their own ideas as to the staging and presentation. The questions at the end give the students the opportunity to explore the text more fully.