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EXTEnding ThE EXpEriEncE: Unmasking ThE hEroic FablE

classroom cUlTUrE

rEsoUrcE For FamiliEs

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EN ROUTE AFTERBEFOREINSIDEBEYOND

THE MARK OF ZORRO is one of many common heroic tales that are frequently retold and adapted. Discuss with your class the different heroic tales with which they are familiar. Have them research these stories and investigate new ones, and then present the following details to the class:

1. Who are the main characters in the story?2. Where is the hero from?3. What was the hero’s home like?4. Did the hero have a family? What was it like?5. What is the hero’s mission?6. Why did the hero choose this mission?7. When will the hero’s mission be complete?8. What is the hero’s biggest challenge?9. What is the hero’s weakness?10. What is the hero’s disguise?11. Why must the hero hide his or her identity?12. Is there a romantic plot in this heroic fable?13. Is the hero victorious at the end of the story?

Now, discuss the similarities and differences of the tales as a full class. Use the checklist below – how many of the stories share these archetypical characteristics?

• Mission – The reason to right what is wrong• Alter-ego – A new name and powerful identity • Disguise – A cape or a mask is essential • Signature mark – What is left behind to make the hero’s presence known• Fated romance – The one who means the most to the hero• Nemesis – The villain standing in the way of the mission

EXTEnsion acTiViTY

Allow the students to create a brand new hero story, using the following structure:

• Your characters should include a hero, a villain, and someone who needs to be saved.• Make sure the story includes all of the ingredients above. • Write a beginning, a middle, and an end (you may choose to make the ending a cliffhanger.)

Once the students have written original stories, you may use the SMALL SCALE, BIG STORY activity in the AFTER Section of the NEW VICTORY School Tool to perform them and bring them to life!

EXTEnding ThE EXpEriEncEUnmasking ThE hEroic FablE

beyond | the mark of zorro

Photos: Douglas McBride

26The New VICTORY® TheATeR / NewVICTORYSChOOLTOOLS.ORG © The New 42Nd STReeT, INC.

EXTEnding ThE EXpEriEncE: Unmasking ThE hEroic FablE

classroom cUlTUrE

rEsoUrcE For FamiliEs

®

EN ROUTE AFTERBEFOREINSIDEBEYOND

Are you seeing multiple performances with your students this year? Whether you are taking your students to more shows at The New Victory or coordinating field trips to other performances, create a Performance Scrapbook Wall in your classroom to record their experiences and keep it as a living scrapbook that you can add to over the course of the year. Include activities created from the SCHOOL TOOL, pictures from your trip, and other work you may do inspired by the show. You may consider using the Performance Reflection Template (found in the AFTER section of this SCHOOL TOOL). This way, students can continue to make connections between the performance and their class work over the year, as well as make connections between the different performances they see this year!

classroom cUlTUrEpErFormancE scrapbook Wall

beyond | the mark of zorro

Photos: Douglas McBride

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have a conversation about their trip to the theater.

Talking about live performance is an important part of your kid’s learning, and it deepens and extends the original experience. Engaging in dialogue, asking questions and recalling observations are skills that you can help foster! You might ask:

• What was it like to take a trip to Times Square? What did you see? • What kind of characters did you see in the show? In what ways are you similar to Zorro? • What kinds of puppets were used on the stage to tell the story? How could we make

those puppets at home?

?!

Your child’s class saw a performance of

the mark of zorroat the New Victory theater on 42nd Street,

New York’s theater for kids and families.

rEsoUrcE For FamiliEsto extend the experience, you may consider some of the following suggestions:

create a hero alter-Ego together. Check out these activities with your child to become the ultimate hero duo!

• Find a New Victory Family Activity at NewVictory.org to create your own hero personas.

• Create a signature (like Zorro’s classic “Z”) and enter to win New Victory tickets! Find more info about this contest here: NewVictory.org/Contest-Rules.aspx

• Did you know there is a Superhero Supply Co. (www.superherosupplies.com) in Park Slope, Brooklyn? Check it out together, but keep your identity hidden along the way!

learn more about the arts together!

Did the trip to the theater spark your kid’s interest in theater and puppetry? Take a class together! The New Victory offers opportunities for you and your child to make art, learn, share and play as a family. For information on New Victory Family Workshops, visit NewVictory.org or call 646.223.3010.

Our partner Time Out New York Kids lists family activities of all kinds across the city. Check them out at timeoutnewyorkkids.com.

En garde! THE MARK OF ZORRO tells the timeless tale of a mysterious masked avenger battling evil in the name of justice. The show is packed with

fast-paced drama, sharp wit and nail-biting suspense. Visible Fictions uses small-scale puppetry and physical ingenuity to bring this renowned fable to life. The audience watches as the performers masterfully take on the story’s characters of friends and foes faster than Zorro can swoosh his sword. With

high-speed horse chases, rooftop battles and a forbidden romance, this rollicking rendition is a classic story full of exciting adventure.

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The New VICTORY® TheATeR / NewVICTORYSChOOLTOOLS.ORG © The New 42Nd STReeT, INC.

EN ROUTE AFTERBEFOREINSIDE

SourceS:

http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/artsinscotland/drama/features/archive/focusvisiblefictions.aspx

http://www.articlesbase.com/recruitment-articles/facts-about-glasgow-627772.html

http://www.examiner.com/article/ten-fast-facts-from-glasgow-scotland-with-style-photos-video

http://www.billcotter.com/zorro/history-of-series.htm

http://www.usq.edu.au/artsworx/schoolresources/androclesandthelion/commedia

sources |BEYOND

the mark of zorro