SIGHT
N
E
E
S
UN
Learning Guide
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
By Tom Arvetis | Directed by Rives Collins
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Learning Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Letters from the Education Department and the Director
ON THE STAGE
The World of the Play
Connect with the Cast
OFF THE STAGE
Starting Points
Putting the Play into Context
Arts Integrated Activities
Recommended Resources
AT THE THEATER
Coming to our Theater & Directions
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING AT
ADVENTURE STAGE CHICAGO?
Story Circles
Neighborhood Bridges
Trailblazers
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
From the Education Department
Dear Parents, Artists, and Educators:
Thank you for taking the time to explore and use this guide! We hope
it helps bring the arts to your kids in a rich and meaningful way.
Sight Unseen: Chapter Two of The Prometheus Project is our
fourth production inspired by the stories of our community. In
2015, playwright Tom Arvetis and director Rives Collins headed
into classrooms to gather stories and feedback on the Greek myth of
Cronus and his children. We engaged in these conversations all over
the city, and kept landing on similar themes: power, allegiance and our
responsibility to past and future generations. These themes as well as
the personal stories from young people helped our playwright create the
world and characters in Sight Unseen.
Here at Adventure Stage we strive to create a safe space to explore life’s
challenges in a way that feels relevant to our young people.
We hope our audience will relate to the journey and struggle Kegan,
Zeph, and Janice experience as they navigate their new and dangerous
modern world.
As always, we seek to provide a path for dialogue between children and
adults, students and teachers. We encourage you to use this guide to
begin those conversations, tie themes from the play into your curriculum,
and follow up after the show by going deeper through activities and
discussions. We would love to be included in the conversations the play
generates; therefore we encourage you and the young people
in your lives to write letters to the actors or playwright after the show.
Thank you for being a part of our ASC community--we look forward
to seeing you at the theater!
Dani Bryant
Education Manager
[email protected]
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
From the Director
I love stories.
I fell in love with stories when I was a little boy; I am still crazy about
them even now.
I especially like stories that transport me to new worlds, introduce me to
fascinating characters, put those characters into perilous situations, and
finally, find solutions that fill me with hope for possibilities in the future.
Playwright Tom Arvetis – he is my kind of story-maker. His stories are
funny; they are scary; they make me jump; they make me care; they turn
my brain on. This is the good stuff.
Sight Unseen tells a really juicy story. Maybe you remember the
play Spark. In that play we met a girl named Pandora who lived in an
underground community and who got in all kinds of trouble as she fought
back against the tyranny of a dictator named Amin. We cheered for her at
the end as she led her friends up a ladder, climbing into the sunlight where
she would be reunited with her mother, Janice.
Sight Unseen tells us what happened before Spark. In this play we meet
Janice as a young girl, and we learn the reasons why a brave community
of people would have gone underground in the first place. We encounter
a world in which the super-rich live in a protected place called ‘the Tower’
while everyone else survives as well as they can in the tumble-down
remnants of civilization now known as ’the Shambles.’ It is hard to be a
young person in this world—scavenging among the rubble, avoiding roving
bands of trouble makers, finding shelter from the acid rain, and especially,
keeping clear of the bounty hunters who would gladly turn you in for profit.
To make matters worse, a virus is spreading that leaves its victims blind.
Do you have to know the play Spark to understand the new play Sight
Unseen ? Absolutely not! The new story will stand on its own. If you have
seen Spark, however, we think you will experience an extra layer of fun
as you put the pieces of the puzzle together. Like Spark, our newest play
was written with the assistance of lots of young people. In fact, maybe you
were part of the many story circles and improvisational dramas that have
fueled the lively imagination of our playwright. Tom has created a story
that connects deeply with themes and ideas that have sprung from the
Adventure Stage neighborhood. It is filled with truth; it also happens to
be filled with questions. Is it possible for someone with perfect vision to be
blind to some things? Is it possible for a blind person to see more clearly
than those who are sighted? How do we cope with big changes in our lives?
How do we bounce back when life has knocked us down? Will our three
young heroes—Janice, Zeph, and Kegan—survive in this dangerous world?
One thing I know for sure—there are always adventures on our stage!
Can’t wait to see you in the theatre!
Rives Collins, Sight Unseen Director
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
ON THE STAGE
The World of the Play
The place is here.
The time is the not-too-distant future.
The world is split between a very small minority of wealthy and powerful
people (who hoard resources and keep themselves isolated within a
high-security, fortress-like building called the Tower) and a majority of
individuals who live outside of the Tower and resort to whatever means
necessary to survive.
Just beyond the wall of the Tower is an area referred to as the
Shambles—a kind of garbage dump bazaar picked over by scavengers
who traffic in the abandoned and discarded materials of the Tower.
Within the last 12 months, an epidemic has visited the Shambles.
People have been losing their sight and no one is quite sure how or why
it’s happening. It is a frightening experience for those who suffer from
it, starting with night blindness and then slowly losing the ability to
see during the day as well. But losing one’s vision is, for many, only the
beginning. As it progresses, people suffer dementia and an overwhelming
sense of fear. They lose their ability to imagine possibility and instead
seem to fixate on the worst possible outcomes. It is a condition that causes
phobia and feelings of powerlessness. Some think it must be a virus, some
form of contagion. But there is no conclusive evidence.
In time, the residents of the Tower have become incredibly paranoid.
Because of this public health scare, they have redoubled their efforts to
secure passage into and out of their facilities. Shamblers are not allowed
into the Tower unless absolutely necessary and, in order to do so, must
pass through a series of screenings. Even then, Shamblers are greeted
with great skepticism and fear. And rarely does anyone from inside the
Tower venture out. Shamblers, for their part, are doing their best to
maintain their dignity but the spread of the blight seems to be growing
at an alarming rate.
Sight Unseen begins in earnest when the first reported case of blindness
within the Tower is identified.
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Connect with the Cast of Sight Unseen
Dear Educators:
Adventure Stage creates work for young people, and we deeply value their
insights and reactions. ASC looks forward to the student letters, artwork,
photos and video we receive each year.
We welcome and encourage your students to engage with us by writing
letters or sharing artwork, photos, or videos with the cast of the show!
There are several ways for you and your students to participate: Students are
always welcome to reach out individually via social media outlets.
Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: @adventurestagechicago
@ adventure_stage
www.facebook.com/adventurestage
Tip for students:
1. Make sure your first name and school is on your artwork, photo,
video or letter!
2. Ask the cast at least one question—they love to talk about the show!
3. Share your experience of watching the show!
4. You and your friends can pick different actors so that every cast
member gets letters, artwork or media!
5. Send in your letters, artwork, and media as soon as you can so
we have time to respond!
We may post letters, artwork, videos, and photos to our Instagram,
Twitter, or Facebook pages.
Students can also hand-write or type letters to the cast
and send them back to ASC.
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
Dani Bryant
c/o Adventure Stage Chicago
1012 N. Noble St.
Chicago, IL 60642
We will respond to all student correspondence that arrives
before the show closes!
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
OFF THE STAGE
Starting Points
Sight Unseen by Tom Arvetis
“Fear, left unchecked, can spread like a virus.”
– Lish McBride
“Love is what we were born with. Fear is what
we learned here.” – Erich Fromm
Themes: taking action, outside vs. inside, external vs. internal,
expectations, allegiance, banishment, epidemic, second chances,
compromise, utopia vs. dystopia, family, responsibility to the next
generation, power and status, struggle, sacrifice, coming of age.
Inquiry Question:
At Adventure Stage Chicago we start every performance with a question
for the audience. We ask them to keep that question in mind as they
watch the show. We return to the question afterwards, allowing students,
teachers and parents to share observations and draw connections to their
own lives.
We encourage you to prepare your students for their field trip by
investigating these possible pre-show questions:
• Should we take action even though we aren’t aware of all the
outcomes or should we play it safe and avoid all risks?
• Do you have an allegiance to anyone or anything?
• Why are people separated by social rank? Is this right?
• Should your circumstances define you?
• Should you trust someone you know has made a bad choice in the
past? Why or why not?
• Should adults place high expectations upon young people?
Why or why not?
•W
hat is our duty to the generations that will follow our own?
• I s it better to choose and maybe make the wrong choice, or to be told
what is right and have no choice?
• Should authority be obeyed unconditionally or should authority
be questioned?
•W
hy do those in power often focus on trying to control those
without power?
•W
hat do you consider a human right and what you consider
a human privilege?
•F
or what greater cause would you fight? What would you sacrifice
for the greater good?
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Putting the Play into Context
Before Sight Unseen, there was Spark
Sight Unseen is a prequel to ASC’s 2014 play Spark. In Spark, a young
girl named Pandora lives in a place called Sanctuary, an underground
dwelling that consists of tunnels and was created as a temporary home
for people to safely live from the horrors above ground. Sanctuary was
meant to be a place of safety, a place where residents could work together
as a single, secure community until the world above returned to normal.
There were many rules within Sanctuary. Residents could not venture
above ground or explore the vast tunnels, and the use fire or paper was
strictly forbidden. These rules existed because a great accident once
claimed the life of many of Sanctuary’s residents, including Pandora’s
mother. Pandora often breaks the rules. One day while exploring the
tunnels, she meets a young boy named Tico. Tico has a secret piece
a paper which changes Pandora’s life forever and gives her hope that
her mother and life above ground is alive and well. With the help of
her father, Tico, and other allies within Sanctuary, Pandora makes the
choice to embrace the unknown and venture into the surface in hopes of
creating a new world.
Pictured, left to right: Mykele Callicut, Charlotte Mae Ellison, Danielle Davis. Photo by Johnny Knight.
For a look back at Spark and a refresher on the myth of Pandora,
go online at adventurestage.org/field-trips/sight-unseen and
download the Spark Learning Guide.
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Prequels, Sequels, and Trilogies!
Sight Unseen is a prequel to Spark!
A Prequel is a story that takes place before an existing piece of work
(usually
a movie, book or TV show). Prequels often give the audience important
information about the history of characters, settings, or circumstances.
Prequels tell us how things came to be from the original story.
Sometimes prequels follow different characters or events, but remain
connected to the original story.
Greeks invented the idea of the trilogy in reference to their drama festivals, where
they would perform three completely related tragedies or comedies.
Some famous trilogies include: The Hunger Games, Toy Story, The Dark Knight
movies, and The Lord of the Rings.
Some famous prequels include: Monsters University, Star Wars Episode 1,
2, and 3, The Hobbit, and X-Men First Class.
Sequels are stories that take place after the original, and usually develop
or complete a main character’s journey or storyline. Usually, you needs to
view the original story to understand everything that is happening in the
sequel. Sometime sequels are planned and sometimes they are created as
a response to the success of the original story.
Some famous sequels include: Shrek 2, Captain America: The Winter
Soldier,
Despicable Me 2, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
A Trilogy is a story told in three parts and is a very popular way to tell
stories. It applies to many mediums: movies, books as well as video
games. These three part stories are usually directly related and continue
one hero’s adventure. Sometimes a trilogy will follow unrelated characters
but will still develop a certain theme or idea over three parts. The Ancient
Pictured, left to right: Charlotte Mae Ellison, Mykele Callicut, Danielle Davis. Photo by Johnny Knight.
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Why is our trilogy called The Prometheus Project?
The Prometheus Project is a trilogy of plays produced by Adventure Stage
Chicago. They are all based on ancient Greek myths, legendary stories
that involve a hero and the gods.
Sight Unseen’s prequel, Spark, is based on the Greek myth of
Prometheus. Prometheus was a Titan that served Zeus. He, unlike
Zeus, cared for the humans that lived on the Earth and often provided
them with gifts which would help them survive. However, when the
humans used the fire, they were scared of the sparks created by the
flames and prayed to Zeus for help. Zeus laughed at the humans and
told Prometheus that they could not be trusted with fire. Prometheus
protested but Zeus took the fire away.
Late one night, while Zeus was sleeping, Prometheus snuck into
his house and stole the fire. When Zeus woke up next morning, he
discovered that the fire was missing and became very angry. He banished
Prometheus to the Caucasus Mountains and a giant vulture came
to eat his liver. Since Prometheus was a Titan, he was immortal and
could regrow his liver. The vulture came every day to eat his liver, but
Prometheus was eventually saved by Heracles.
Sight Unseen is based on the myth of Cronus, which takes place
before the myth of Prometheus. Cronus controlled all of the universe,
including the planet Earth. He reigned over the universe for many years
and married Rhea. Cronus and Rhea had six children, : Hestia, Pluto,
Poseidon, Hera, Demeter, and Zeus. Frightened by a prophecy that his
children would steal the throne from him, Cronus swallowed all five of
his children. However, when Rhea had her sixth son, Zeus, she tricked
Cronus. When Cronus was about to swallow Zeus, Rhea switched the
baby with a stone wrapped exactly like a baby. Cronus believed that he
was safe and continued to rule.
Rhea then took Zeus to the island of Crete, where he was hidden in
a cave on Mount Ida. When Zeus came back to Cronus, he disguised
himself as a servant and gave Cronos a potion in his wine which caused
his brothers and sister to reappear. Prometheus foresaw his loss if he
continued fighting for Cronus and changed his allegiance to Zeus. The
war between the siblings and their father was terrible. Zeus ended it
by beating Cronus in a wrestling match. However, the siblings did not
destroy their father like the prophecy had declared, but banished him to
another world.
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Defining Utopia & Dystopia
A Utopia is a place of ideal perfection uniting laws,
government, and social conditions. The term is a
combination of two Greek words: Eutopia (meaning
“good place”) and Outopia (meaning “no place”)
A Dystopia is a place where conditions and quality of
life are unpleasant due to deprivation, oppression, or
terror. They are often imaginary places where the utopic
dream has gone awry.
The two communities (the Shambles and the Towers) in
Sight Unseen are examples of a Dystopia and a Utopia.
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Throughout history, many people have tried finding a Utopia. The
term was invented by the English author, Sir Thomas More in 1516.
In modern terms Utopia come to mean: an imaginary place where the
government, laws, and society interact harmoniously. The search for
Utopia is a response to escaping escape oppression, violence, disease,
or to make more money to help support growing families.
The Pilgrims
The Pilgrims were a group of people
who disagreed with the religious
teachings of England. They were not
allowed to practice what they believed
and had to follow the rules set up by
the British government. Hearing of the
New World and the freedom which it provided to live and support their
families, they decided to sail and make a new home there. The journey
was long and difficult. The ship was almost destroyed due to bad weather,
but most of the passengers survived. They landed on what today is known
as Provincetown Harbor, located in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
westward journey in 1843, following a 2,170 mile route to California.
Many underestimated how difficult the journey would be. Those who
arrived in California had to start building a society from scratch.
Syrian Refugees
People are still searching for Utopia today. Since 2011, the Syrian Civil
War has been the cause of constant violence and strife in the country.
This has caused many civilians to make the decision to leave their homes,
hoping to find a better place to live for themselves and their children.
Some Syrian refugees have hope that they will return to their home
country of Syria when everything is safe again. Until then, the refugees
are searching for countries to make a safe home.
The Pioneers on the Oregon Trail
In 1836, conditions in America were very
tough. People suffered from sicknesses such as
malaria and yellow fever, and experienced poor
economic conditions. Rumors about fertile land
for farming and the possibility of finding gold
excited many. Groups of people started the
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Arts Integrated Activities
The Hero in Me Story Wheel
Objective: In Sight Unseen, the characters must
navigate a world full of ever-changing rules and
overcome great obstacles. In this activity, students
will recall and articulate a time in which they
needed to step up to a challenge in a heroic way.
Common Core & SEL Connections:
ELA-LIT.CCRA.SL.2; TH:Cr1 & Cr2; SEL2A,2B and 2C
Materials: none
Procedure:
• Have half the class form a circle and then turn facing out. The rest of the class forms
a circle surrounding the inner circle, facing in, so that everyone has a partner. If there
isn’t room for a circle in the classroom, the exercise can be done in two lines. • Prompt the students to brainstorm a time in their lives when they faced a challenge
in order to help someone or themselves. Remind students that heroes are not just
Superman or athletes—there are also everyday heroes!
• Set a timer for 1 minute and 30 seconds. When you say “Go!” the students on the
outer circle will begin to tell their heroic tale to the partner across from them in the
story circle.
• After the 1 minute and 30 seconds, the inner circle tells their story to the outer circle.
• After both pairs have shared their story, the outside circle will shift one person to the
right (the inner circle stays put). Now, everyone has a brand new partner. • Before the students retell their story to a new partner, prompt them to add onto the
story using more detail. After both partners share once again you can continue the
rotation several more times adding a new storytelling element with each new partner
(for example: focus on the setting, add dialogue or use a character voice).
• After you’ve rotated to 4 or 5 times and the students have had time to craft and hone
their heroic stories, ask for a few volunteers to perform for the entire class.
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Paradise Found – Analyzing and Drawing Xanadu
Objectives: To introduce students to a classic poem,
guide them through text analysis and interpret words
into original art.
Common Core & SEL Connections:
ELA-LIT.CCRA.R.1-R.5; VA:Cr1.1
Materials: copy of the first two stanzas of Kubla Khan
(listed below), lined paper, pens or pencils, blank paper
and colored pencils/crayons/markers.
Procedure:
• Write the first two stanzas from the poem, Kubla Khan
onto the board or poster board.
• Read them aloud as a class and discuss what images the
poem conjures.
• Go through the poem line by line analyzing the meaning;
write keywords and phrases next to the original text.
• Hand out 1 piece of lined paper to each student and ask
the students to fold the paper in half. They should write the
original 2 stanzas of the poem on one side, and next to it
rewrite the poem in their own words.
• Ask each student to identify one image from the poem
that they would like to draw (i.e. the river, the gardens, the
caverns, the dome, the forest, etc.)
• Hand out the blank paper and coloring supplies. Ask
students to write one line of original text as well as their
own interpretation of that line of text on the bottom of the
blank paper. Then they can begin to draw their sketch in
pencil. Once the pencil drawing is complete they can begin
coloring it in. Remind them to pay attention to the details
of the language and include those details in their drawing.
In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure dome decree:
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran
Through caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea.
So twice five miles of fertile ground
With walls and towers were
girdled round:
And there were gardens bright with
sinuous rills,
Where blossomed many an incensebearing tree;
And here were forests ancient as the hills,
Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s 1797 poem
Kubla Khan (about Xanadu – an ancient
man made paradise in Mongolia)
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Statues of Status and Power:
Objective: In this Drama activity, students will
explore what it is like to physically embody traits of
status and power.
Common Core & SEL Connections:
TH: Cr 1.1; Th: Pr 5.1; SEL: 2C.3b.
Materials: none
Procedure:
• As a group: Define the word status (the relative
social, professional, or other standing of someone
or something). Next, brainstorm a list of character
traits that a high or low status person might exhibit.
Examples of “High Status” behavior might be:
Confident posture, hands on hips, stillness,
moves with ease, takes up space, loud and
proud voice.
Examples for “Low Status” might be:
Unconfident posture (slouches), bowed head,
keeps arms crossed, moves anxiously, takes up
minimal space, inaudible voice.
• Next, assign students a partner. One student will
be partner A and the other will be partner B.
• Partner A will start off as the sculptor and partner
B will be the statue being “molded.”
• Prompt the Partner A to think about the physical
traits of someone with “High Status” and gently
mold their partner into a “High Status” pose.
Reminders for students
• Statues must stay still and cannot talk.
• Sculptors must choose safe poses their partner
can hold.
• Think outside the box! Use levels and angles
when moving the arms, legs and torso.
• Don’t forget the face! Instead of physically
molding the face—the sculptor should mirror
the facial expression they’d like their partner
to take on.
• Have all of Partner As walk around and look at
the other “High Status” sculptures.
• Reflect on what they see in the statues with
these possible prompts: “What did you notice?
What did they have in common? Could you
see character or a story begin to arise?
• Switch partners and repeat the cycle using
“Low Status” sculptures.
The next phase of this Drama Game would be to pair
partners and look at the relationship between High
and Low status physicality.
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Recommended Resources I
Fiction:
The Maze Runner by James Dashner (Grades 6-10)
When Thomas wakes up in the elevator the only thing he can remember
is his first name. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself
surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade. Just like Thomas, the
Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is
that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have
opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. But the next day, a girl is sent
up--the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the
message she delivers.
The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth (Grades 6-10)
One choice can transform you. Beatrice Prior’s society is divided into five
factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the
brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Beatrice must
choose between staying with her Abnegation family and transferring
factions. Her choice will shock her community and herself. But the newly
christened Tris also has a secret, one she’s determined to keep hidden,
because in this world, what makes you different makes you dangerous.
Tomorrow Girls: Behind the Gate by Eva Gray (Grades 5-9)
In a terrifying future world, four girls must depend on each other if they
want to survive. Louisa is nervous about being sent away to a boarding
school -- but she’s excited, too. And she has her best friend, Maddie, to
keep her company. The girls have to pretend to be twin sisters, which
Louisa thinks just adds to the adventure.
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Grades 5-8)
In a future where the Population Police enforce the law limiting a family to only
two children, Luke, an illegal third child, has lived all his twelve years in isolation
and fear on his family’s farm. Then, one day Luke sees a girl’s face in the window
of a house where he knows two other children already live. Finally, he’s met a
shadow child like himself. Jen is willing to risk everything to come out of the
shadows -- does Luke dare to become involved in her dangerous plan?
Gathering Blue, The Messenger, and The Giver, all by Lois Lowry (Grades 3-7)
Jonas’s world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of
pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community.
When Jonas turns 12 he is singled out to receive special training from The
Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life.
Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (Grades 8 and up)
Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were
infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and
they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a
man, but he knows that the town is hiding something from him -- something
so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he
hears too.
The One Safe Place by Tania Unsworth (Grades 5-8)
Twelve-year-old Devin’s loss of his grandfather leaves him unprepared to take
care of their formerly self-sufficient farm—one of the precious few left on the
face of the earth. He leaves this oasis hoping to find some willing hands to
help him keep the farm going. Instead, the people he meets in the city are so
devoid of morals or compassion that when Devin and his new friend, Kit, have
a chance to go to the Gabriel H. Penn Home for Childhood, they seize the
opportunity. It isn’t long before Devin senses that this home is a little too good
to be true.
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Recommended Resources II
Movies:
Wall-E (2008) rated G
In a futuristic world, Wall-E is the only remaining robot left
behind to clean up after humans have destroyed and abandoned
Earth for new spaceship bound society.
The Lego Movie (2014) rated PG
This story follows Emmet an ordinary, rules- following, perfectly
average person, who is living in a Utopia with a leader bent on
taking over the world. Emmet is mistakenly identified as the most
extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. Tomorrowland (2015) rated PG
Whenever Casey Newton touches a lapel pin with the letter T on it,
she finds herself transported to Tomorrowland, a city filled with huge
robots and sleek buildings. The gifted young woman recruits the help
of scientist Frank Walker, to uncover the city’s mysterious secrets.
I Am Legend (2007) rated PG-13
It’s been three years since civilization came to an end, and Robert
Neville, a brilliant scientist, is a survivor of a man-made plague that
transforms humans into bloodthirsty mutants. Alone, works on
finding a cure for the plague using his own immune blood.
Samurai Jack (2001) Television series rated TVY7
After being sent into a dystopian future by evil wizard Aku, young
samurai Jack makes a quest to return to the past and undo the
destruction caused by the wizard.
Websites:
Health
http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/sight/visual_impaired.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/
The Development of Dystopian Novels
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/samantha-shannon/the-evolution-ofdystopia_b_4114516.html
Real-life Utopias in the US
http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/5-19th-century-utopiancommunities-in-the-united-states
A Hero’s Journey
http://www.thewritersjourney.com/hero’s_journey.htm
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
Directions to 1012 N. Noble
AT THE THEATER
Coming to our Theater
Planning Your Field Trip
We want your trip to ASC at Vittum Theater to go as
smoothly as possible! Here’s an idea of what to expect
during your field trip.
SEATING REQUESTS: Seating for our shows is
prearranged based on special seating needs and the
ages of students. Please call 773.342.4141 before you
arrive if we need to accommodate members of your
group with hearing, vision, or mobility impairments.
ARRIVAL: Please arrive between 10:00 and 10:15
a.m.; performances begin promptly at 10:30. Buses
should pull in front of the theater at 1012 N. Noble
Street. Remain on your bus until a member of our
staff has come to the bus to greet you and your
students. We will then lead your group into our
lobby for a short speech about our theater and the
performance you are about to see.
PERFORMANCE: A member of our staff will
show your group to their seats. Performances run
approximately 90 minutes and include a post-show
discussion. The entire event usually lasts around two
hours. We ask that all members of your group remain
in the theater until the performance and discussion
are over. If you must leave before the discussion,
however, please let us know in advance.
LUNCH: Unfortunately, we do not have space
available for students to eat lunch
in the theater or at the Settlement House.
DEPARTURE: At the conclusion of the
performance and discussion, we dismiss
the audience school by school in order to reduce
confusion. Staff will lead you down
the stairs and to your busses, which will be waiting
for you on Augusta Blvd. in the bus
lane in front of Rowe Middle School.
From South Chicago: Take the Dan Ryan
West (90/94 toward Wisconsin). Exit at
Milwaukee/Augusta. At the end of the
exit ramp, continue West on Augusta one
block to Noble. Turn Right (North) onto
Noble. Arrive at the theater on Left.
From North Chicago: Take the Kennedy
East (90/94 toward Indiana) to the
Division Street exit. At the end of the exit
ramp, take a Right (West) onto Division
Street and follow it to Ashland. Turn Left
(South) onto Ashland and follow it one
light to Augusta. Turn Left (East) onto
Augusta and follow one light to Noble.
Turn Left (North) onto Noble. Arrive at
the theater on Left.
From West Chicago: Take the Eisenhower
East (290 toward the Loop) to the Dan
Ryan West (90/94 toward Wisconsin). Exit
at Milwaukee/Augusta. At the end of the
exit ramp, continue West on Augusta one
block to Noble. Turn Right (North) onto
Noble. Arrive at the theater on Left. Exit
at Milwaukee/Augusta. At the end of the
exit ramp, continue West on Augusta one
block to Noble. Turn Right (North) onto
Noble. Arrive at the theater on Left.
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING AT ADVENTURE STAGE CHICAGO?
Story Circle Workshops
Adventure Stage Chicago now offers pre- and post-show workshops
for our productions. These Common Core-Connected theater workshops
use storytelling, critical literacy, and creative drama to deepen your
students’ experience at our theater.
Neighborhood Bridges Residency Program
Bring an ASC Teaching Artist into your classroom!
Neighborhood Bridges is a comprehensive program of storytelling
and creative drama designed to help children develop their critical
literacy skills and to transform them into the storytellers of their
own lives.
Through theatre games, storytelling, improvisation, reading and
creative writing, students develop their ability to write, speak
and think critically. Bridges helps young people grapple with
complicated issues, conflicts and questions found in today’s diverse,
changing society.
Participating Classrooms Receive:
• Partnership – 24 residency hours over the course of 12 weeks.
• Exposure – Tickets and transportation to a single Adventure Stage
performance and the opportunity to present the students’ learning
on the Vittum Theater stage.
• Resources – Learning Guide, Promptbook, lesson plans and supplies.
For more information, contact Dani Bryant, Education Manager
773.969.5550 or [email protected]
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
ASC’s TRAILBLAZERS!
Adventure Stage Chicago’s TRAILBLAZERS is a unique
afterschool mentoring program that places young people (11-15)
with mentors who are professional theater artists.
Student participants guide the program’s content with thoughtful
assistance from its professional artist mentors.
SPRING SHOW
Unspoken
April 29th at 7pm and April 30th at 4pm.
In addition to creating original performances throughout the year.
TRAILBLAZERS go on field trips, camp in Wisconsin, stretch
their creative muscles with exposure to different forms of theater,
and learn to work collaboratively in a supportive environment.
We are currently taking applications for Spring and
Summer sessions.
For more information, contact Associate Artistic Director
Allison Latta Lashford [email protected].
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project
SIGHT
UNSEEN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The content of this Learning Guide was shaped and edited
by Rachel Kwiecinski and Dani Bryant. The guide’s layouts
and cover were designed by Vivid Valentine Design.
Adventure Stage Chicago thanks the following foundations
and corporations for their support:
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
Kinder Morgan Foundation
Illinois Arts Council Agency
Lloyd A. Fry Foundation
This project is supported in part by an award from the
National Endowment for the Arts
Northern Trust Charitable Trust
The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
Polk Bros. Foundation
RBC Wealth Management
Searle Funds at the Chicago Community Trust
Walter E. Heller Foundation
Image Sources:
Walled sanctuary:
http://coolvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/worldinyear3000.jpg
Wilderness people
http://hyperallergic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/7_Traintrackswalk.jpg
Zeus A
http://elfinspell.com/images/ZeusA.jpg
Utopian society
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d6/a8/64/d6a8645598981714018eb8cfbf666464.jpg
Family trees with pictures https://yogzatot.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/children-of-cronus-and-rhea-2.png
Urban decay http://xfrog.com/gallery/albums/landscapes/1080-i-am-legend.jpg
Urban decay 2
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fL1v3myEdO0/UQ JsGVpIk_I/AAAAAAAAAB0/9uoQTYBCrqs/s1600/003.jpg
Safe haven http://conceptartworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/The_Last_of_Us_Concept_Art_Street_Barricades_AL-01.jpg
Future eyes
http://gamingprecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/eye-tracking-620x333.jpg
More’s Utopia http://archive.myfreedomfoundation.com/imgLib/20130305_Utopia.jpg
Girl in dystopia http://www.cultureandmovement.com/uploads/2/1/7/9/21795290/1407707651.jpg
Utopia-or-dystopia http://www.tomliberman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Utopia-or-Dystopia.jpg
Urban decay 05 http://www.webdesignburn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Urban-Decay-05.jpg
Power http://cdn.playbuzz.com/cdn/cd20b521-7322-49d8-87d7-070bed374344/bfef0528-cd94-49a4-9598-6fe907a977d8.jpg
Blindnesshttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/51ca804ce4b0ff1650b3d00a/51cb7fb7e4b0fd44824f2d1d/51cb7fb9e4b0fd44824f2eb4/1372294001081/blindness.jpeg
Allegiance http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C4&Date=20120920&Category=NEWS15&ArtNo=120920032&Ref=AR
Future1
http://www.armaneker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/future1.jpg
Hand power http://pre13.deviantart.net/153f/th/pre/i/2010/252/1/e/hand_power_by_cap_red-d2ye6jm.png
Keep out http://media2.fdncms.com/sfweekly/imager/the-9th-circuit-court-of-appeals-upheld-a-judges-ruling-banishing-a-convic/u/original/2668995/keepout.jpg
Kubla Khan http://media2.fdncms.com/sfweekly/imager/the-9th-circuit-court-of-appeals-upheld-a-judges-ruling-banishing-a-convic/u/original/2668995/keepout.jpg
Future computer woman http://marketingland.com/wp-content/ml-loads/2014/06/future-computer-woman-shutterstock-600x368.jpg
Brick wall http://marketingland.com/wp-content/ml-loads/2014/06/future-computer-woman-shutterstock-600x368.jpg
Colorhttps://41.media.tumblr.com/7ca7588c92743b96c32357345548cd9f/tumblr_nqbb47YVXD1qcam0lo8_1280.jpg
Walled art
http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqr3onn6VS1qbo63zo1_1280.jpg
Red moon https://thesciencegeek01.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/future-sunrisev21.jpg
Separation https://jakeeldridgeart.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/nature-a-place-for-stories.jpg?w=1024&h=1150
Blueprint http://www.desktopwallpapers4.me/abstract/blueprint-15440/
Lightbulbshttp://choiceonerealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photodune-5463665-light-bulbs-s.jpg
Man https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4080/4787087557_c1854bfe0f_z.jpg
Your utopia my dystopia http://actionspeaksradio.org/wp-content/uploads/your-utopia-my-dystopia.jpg
Hydora_web https://carterpierce.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/hydora_web.jpg
Dystopia couple http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--5m9H5I1u--/182cy3nicxclzjpg.jpg
Galaxy man http://scienceofenergyhealing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/338a4ced847c0d5ee17b8e91a2d2c739.jpg
Galaxy hands http://favim.com/orig/201106/03/clouds-galaxy-hands-man-mist-space-Favim.com-64895.jpg
Prometheus http://eden-saga.com/wp-content/uploads/promethee-casque-grec-543po.jpg
Creation Prometheus Louvre http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/Creation_Prometheus_Louvre_Ma445.jpg
Orange-transistor-radio-naxarthttp://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/orange-transistor-radio-naxart.jpg
Campfire https://berniedeehan.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/campfire.jpg
Biohazard warning label http://orig05.deviantart.net/e58a/f/2014/078/5/d/biohazard_warning_label_by_aliensquid-d7aur4c.png
Journal
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1257809/images/o-WOMAN-WRITING-facebook.jpg
House-blindness http://www.newyorker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/House-Blindness-690.jpg
Pioneer etching http://www.oregontrailcenter.org/images/Pioneer-Etching.jpg
Mayfloweratseacropped
http://www.nhcommentary.com/MayflowerAtSeaCropped.JPG
Refugee https://joelartista.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/zaatariwatermural.jpg?w=896&h=411&crop=1
Spark images by Johnny Knight
Collins_Rives https://www.communication.northwestern.edu/faculty/RivesCollins
Statues
http://i1.wp.com/dramaresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bullying-tableau.jpg?resize=300%2C225
Chapter Two of the Prometheus Project