Masterpiece Cycle
Tisa Chang, Artistic Producing Director
School Matinees for Grades 6-12 in May/June 2012
All Performances at 11:00am, only $12 for students!
By Mayank Keshaviah
Directed by Raul Aranas
School Matinees May 30, June 1,5,6,12 and 13 at 11:00am
“Rangoon revisits Arthur Miller’s take on the American Dream from an Indian point of
view, updating it for the new millennium and its unique challenges…”-Mayank Keshaviah
In this contemporary play that spans from Burma to the American south, a family of Indian
émigrés must deal with seductions of American life while trying to keep its heritage alive.
RANGOON is funny and tragic — a quintessential 21st century American tale.
Teachers receive a study guide (sample attached) developed in accordance with the NYC
Arts Learning blueprints that will help students interpret the elements of drama, and think
critically about the themes explored during the show.
At the Clurman Theatre at Theatre Row, 410 W 42nd Street, btw 9th and 10th Avenue
Call Abby Felder at 212-868-4030 or email [email protected] to reserve tickets to
RANGOON, or for more information!
Praise for PART School Matinees: "Awesome...Our students really enjoyed it...Keep up the
good work!" -Ms. White, Principal MS226
SUN
School
Matinee Tickets $12
MON
TUE
WED
5/30
THUR
5/31
School
May/June 2012
Includes:
- 1 free chaperone
per 10 students
- Study Guide –
designed to help students
meet NYC Arts Learning
Blue Prints
3
4
2:30
10
11
2:30
- Post-show
discussion or workshop
with cast
** All School Matinees
subject to availability
17
18
FRI
6/1
Matinee
11:00am
School
Matinee
11:00am
7:30
7:30
5
6
School
Matinee
11:00am
School
Matinee
11:00am
7:30
7:30
12
13
School
Matinee
11:00am
School
Matinee
11:00am
7:30
7:30
19
20
7
8
SAT
2
9
2:30
7:30
7:30
7:30
14
15
16
2:30
7:30
7:30
7:30
21
22
23
2:30
visit www.panasianrep.org for more information!
STUDY GUIDE EXCERPTS FROM RANGOON (2012)
History of Rangoon:
Rangoon, also known as Yangon, literally means “End of Strife.” Though it is no longer the capital city, with a
population of over four million Yangon is still the largest city in Myanmar. Yangon, located in the Lower part
of Burma, was founded in the 11th century as a fishing village. The British first seized control of Yangon in
1824 with the First Anglo-Burmese War but they soon relinquished control. They seized it again though with
all of Lower Burma in 1852 and set about transforming Yangon into the heart of British Burma.(…continued)
Elements of drama:
Drama is a display of life, emotions, tension and relationships. It sketches different personalities and
represents a wide variety of emotions through different characters. Generally speaking there are six elements
in drama: theme, plot, characters, dialogue, music and visual elements. You should keep these in mind when
reviewing and critiquing the play (continued...)
The Indian Flag:
Adopted on July 22, 1947 after Indian became independent from Great Britain. The Indian flag is a horizontal
tricolour in equal proportion of deep saffron (Kesari) on the top, white in the middle and dark green at the
bottom. In the centre of the white band, there is a wheel in navy blue, the Ashok Chakra, which represents the
Laws of Dharma…. (…continued)
A Discussion with Your Students about Stereotypes:
Stereotypes are generalizations about a group of people. They are used whenever a group is depicted or
portrayed in such a way that all its members appear to have the same characteristics, attitudes or life
conditions. These classifications can be positive or negative.
In Rangoon, stereotypes of various groups, (Indian-Americans, African-Americans, Latino-Americans, and
Southerners) are raised and challenged. This type of racial stereotyping has happened many times in the US
and it effects society and those stereotyped.
It is important to realize where this thinking comes from. Here is one way you can talk with your students
about stereotypes:
Cross the Line: this non-verbal exercise is a safe way for your students to share personal beliefs about
stereotypes. (…continued)
Essay / Discussion Questions:
1. What is a theme? Name one theme the playwright explores in the play. How is this theme expressed
and why do you think it is important?
2. What groups gets stereotyped in the play? Why does Motilal leave Rangoon?
3. Which character do you most relate to and why?
4. Define satire, stereotyping and caricature. Is there a difference between the three? Compare the
portrayal of Apu the Kwik-e-mart owner in the Simpsons and Dhiraj in Rangoon. Which of the three
categories would you put these two characters into, if any. What are the pluses and minuses of the
various forms?
5. If you were to create your own flag. What would it look like, stand for, and symbolize? Draw it.
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