Pre-release+2009

This page is to hep us prepare for the coming written exam next June. Year 11 students will study & stage part of Havel's 'The Memorandum' and make notes to help answer questions in the 2 1/2 hour paper.

Here is a great interview with the author of the play script and Sir David Frost. Watch this and try to get an impression of how Havel thinks about his country, Russia and the world. It is only a few months old so gives us a very recent insight into Havel's mind.

media type="youtube" key="4qTOwePM58M" height="344" width="425" Here is another great link to a youtube interview on Havel. It explains the history behind the Czech revolution and his involvement in this 'gentle revolution' and subsequent move to the palace. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY2Y7TTFDPw You have to watch this video in a new browser, direct on youtube.

Here are a few images from various productions of the play. What do you notice about the costumes used? Colours? Styles? Materials used? What about the set? Does the set symbolise anything? How do both set & costume impact on the mood or atmosphere? Effect on the audience?

Here is the cover of the book, what do you notice about the choice of artwork on it? Any clues to help us understand the messages or ideas in the play?