Four Short Plays for Performance

Subject: Drama
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 14 - 16
Order Number: 5218

One of the difficulties in teaching drama is the real problem of finding suitable short material for performance by small groups. In this resource you will find four classic short plays suitable for a range of groups and acting ability.

The first play is by 'Saki' and requires five male actors. It is best viewed as an old fashioned militaristic, heroic farce. The second play is by John Galsworthy and is set, approximately, before the First World War. Eight actors are required, four male and four female. It is a satire, which focuses on the importance of marriage. Is the heroine to be trusted if she does not have a wedding ring?. Given this concern it is an excellent play for 'citizenship' purposes. The third play is a magnificent, short tragedy by J.M. Synge. It requires four main actors (three female, one male) and a small group which has a few lines to say. The final play is again by John Galsworthy. It is a satire with the characters shown only as 'The Girl', 'The Man', and 'The Soldier'. 'The Girl' has changed her love from 'The Soldier' to 'The Man' and expects trouble when they all meet. She is wrong, 'The Soldier' is happy as he is alive and the other two cannot understand his attitude. As such, questions about what is important in the world are subtly made and the undercutting of 'romance' is carefully done.

Overall these play provide a strong group of well written play suitable for performance by small groups and, as such, are an ideal resource for drama teachers. They are also, crucially, plays which an audience will enjoy watching! No performance rights required.