Modern Translations Part 3 Medea "Burns My Soul" free lesson plan

A good activity for older students is to have them translate monologues from older plays like Shakespeare and Greek plays in to modern characters.

In this first modern version of Medea's monologue, compare it to the old version. Here is BURNS MY SOUL BY D. M. LARSON OF FREEDRAMA.NET

MEDEA

Oh my children, you have still a city and a home, where you can live far from me and my sad life. You will live your lives, apart from your mother forever; I must go away. I will no longer feel the joy you bring me. I will not to get to see your happiness, the great happiness of your marriage, your bride, or your wedding. I'm a victim of my own selfishness. So was there no point to raising you as my sons. Did I suffer for nothing? The cruel suffering of giving birth to you. Before I had hope, hope that you would care for me in my old age and be there for my death, laying me to rest with your loving hands. But even this dream is gone. I must face a life of bitterness and sorrow without you. Your eyes will never see your mother again. Why do you look at me that way, children? Why smile such sweet smiles? What am I going to do? I don't have the heart to do what I want to do when I see the happiness in your eyes. I want to take you with me. Why should I hurt you only to hurt your father? No, no, I will not do it. But how can I let my enemies escape punishment. I must do it. There's no other way. I can't let my feelings for you get in the way.

I will not fail. My heart begs me not to do it and let the children go. Spare them. They give me comfort when I am so far away, won't they? No, never will I hand over my children to them. They must die. I gave them life; now I will take it away myself. Their fate is sealed and there is no escape. Now I will say good-bye. My children, let your mother kiss you. You are so dear to me. You are such beautiful children and I want your happiness. But your father wants to take that from you. It's bittersweet holding you one last time. I will miss you. Go, leave me; I cannot look at you. My sadness overwhelms me. I finally understand the awful thing I am to do; but I burn inside and it's hard to think... hard to be logical... hard to be reasonable... when my anger burns my soul.

---

Now compare it to the original by Euripides:

MEDEA: O my sons! My sons! ye have a city and a house Where, leaving hapless me behind, without A mother ye for ever shall reside. But I to other realms an exile go, Ere any help from you I could derive, Or see you blest; the hymeneal pomp, The bride, the genial couch, for you adorn, And in these hands the kindled torch sustain. How wretched am I through my own perverseness! You, O my sons, I then in vain have nurtured, In vain have toiled, and, wasted with fatigue, Suffered the pregnant matron's grievous throes. On you, in my afflictions, many hopes I founded erst: that ye with pious care Would foster my old age, and on the bier Extend me after death--much envied lot Of mortals; but these pleasing anxious thoughts Are vanished now; for, losing you, a life Of bitterness and anguish shall I lead. But as for you, my sons, with those dear eyes Fated no more your mother to behold, Hence are ye hastening to a world unknown. Why do ye gaze on me with such a look Of tenderness, or wherefore smile? for these Are your last smiles. Ah wretched, wretched me! What shall I do? My resolution fails. Sparkling with joy now I their looks have seen, My friends, I can no more. To those past schemes I bid adieu, and with me from this land My children will convey. Why should I cause A twofold portion of distress to fall On my own head, that I may grieve the sire By punishing his sons? This shall not be: Such counsels I dismiss. But in my purpose What means this change? Can I prefer derision, And with impunity permit the foe To 'scape? My utmost courage I must rouse: For the suggestion of these tender thoughts Proceeds from an enervate heart. My sons, Enter the regal mansion. [Exuent SONS.] As for those Who deem that to be present were unholy While I the destined victims offer up, Let them see to it. This uplifted arm Shall never shrink. Alas! alas! my soul Commit not such a deed. Unhappy woman, Desist and spare thy children; we will live Together, they in foreign realms shall cheer Thy exile. No, by those avenging fiends Who dwell with Pluto in the realms beneath, This shall not be, nor will I ever leave My sons to be insulted by their foes. They certainly must die; since then they must, I bore and I will slay them: 'tis a deed Resolved on, nor my purpose will I change. Full well I know that now the royal bride Wears on her head the magic diadem, And in the variegated robe expires: But, hurried on by fate, I tread a path Of utter wretchedness, and them will plunge Into one yet more wretched. To my sons Fain would I say: "O stretch forth your right hands Ye children, for your mother to embrace. O dearest hands, ye lips to me most dear, Engaging features and ingenuous looks, May ye be blest, but in another world; For by the treacherous conduct of your sire Are ye bereft of all this earth bestowed. Farewell, sweet kisses--tender limbs, farewell! And fragrant breath! I never more can bear To look on you, my children." My afflictions Have conquered me; I now am well aware What crimes I venture on: but rage, the cause Of woes most grievous to the human race, Over my better reason hath prevailed.

---

Questions for students:

Which version did you like better? Why?

What is the character like in the modern version?

Is the character different or the same as the original version?

Select a line from each monologue that mean the same thing but are worded differently.

Does the new version capture the meaning of the original?

How did the modern version help you understand the original version?

Why might an older piece of writing like Euripides still be meaningful today?

Feel free to post your answers to these questions below and discuss!

---

Find more monologues at http://www.freedrama.net/small1.html

---

Modern Translations Part 2 Romeo monologue free lesson plan

A good activity for older students is to have them translate monologues from older plays like Shakespeare and Greek plays in to modern characters.

In this modern version of Romeo's monologue, compare it to the original version. Here is "WITH ONE LAST KISS" BY D. M. LARSON FROM FREEDRAMA.NET

RM

Your family told me you should married someone else. They told told me that there was a good and safe man who wanted to marry you. I heard one of your brother's say it to me but I thought maybe it was a dream. How could they not want us together? It made me crazy thinking about it. But here I am.. At your Grave... And still so young... Here lies my love... My wife... But somehow your beauty brings light to this tomb. I feel so strange... As if some strange power has come over me...

Is this how someone feels before their death? A strange sort of happiness. Because I know we will be together again.

Death may have taken you but your beauty lives on. Your beauty is more powerful than his black magic. Fight him my love... He wants to take you from me.

Has he fallen in love with you? He can't have you!

I will stay with you. I will not leave your side. Never again.

This is the place where I will rest. Forever by your side. And be rid of this weak flesh that keeps me away from you.

I must have one more look at you before I close my eyes forever. I must hold you one more time. And before my last kiss I must drink to our love. (drinks from a small bottle)

Oh... That's good.

I feel closer to you now. And with one last kiss... I come to you... I'm coming, my love... I'm coming.

FIN

---

Now compare it to the original by William Shakespeare:

ROMEO

In faith, I will. Let me peruse this face. Mercutio's kinsman, noble County Paris! What said my man, when my betossed soul Did not attend him as we rode? I think He told me Paris should have married Juliet: Said he not so? or did I dream it so? Or am I mad, hearing him talk of Juliet, To think it was so? O, give me thy hand, One writ with me in sour misfortune's book! I'll bury thee in a triumphant grave; A grave? O no! a lantern, slaughter'd youth, For here lies Juliet, and her beauty makes This vault a feasting presence full of light. Death, lie thou there, by a dead man interr'd.

How oft when men are at the point of death Have they been merry! which their keepers call A lightning before death: O, how may I Call this a lightning? O my love! my wife! Death, that hath suck'd the honey of thy breath, Hath had no power yet upon thy beauty: Thou art not conquer'd; beauty's ensign yet Is crimson in thy lips and in thy cheeks, And death's pale flag is not advanced there. Tybalt, liest thou there in thy bloody sheet? O, what more favour can I do to thee, Than with that hand that cut thy youth in twain To sunder his that was thine enemy? Forgive me, cousin! Ah, dear Juliet, Why art thou yet so fair? shall I believe That unsubstantial death is amorous, And that the lean abhorred monster keeps Thee here in dark to be his paramour? For fear of that, I still will stay with thee; And never from this palace of dim night Depart again: here, here will I remain With worms that are thy chamber-maids; O, here Will I set up my everlasting rest, And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars From this world-wearied flesh. Eyes, look your last! Arms, take your last embrace! and, lips, O you The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss A dateless bargain to engrossing death! Come, bitter conduct, come, unsavoury guide! Thou desperate pilot, now at once run on The dashing rocks thy sea-sick weary bark!

Here's to my love!

O true apothecary!

Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.

---

Questions for students:

Which version did you like better? Why?

What is the character like in the modern version?

Is the character different or the same as the original version?

Select a line from each monologue that mean the same thing but are worded differently.

Does the new version capture the meaning of the original?

How did the modern version help you understand the original version?

Why might an older piece of writing like Shakespeare still be meaningful today?

Feel free to post your answers to these questions below and discuss!

---

Find more monologues at http://www.freedrama.net/small1.html

---

Modern Translations Part 1 Juliet Hidden in the Night classroom lesson plan

A good activity for older students is to have them translate monologues from older plays like Shakespeare and Greek plays in to modern characters.

In this first modern version of Juliet's monologue, compare it to the old version. Here is "Hidden in the Night" by D. M. Larson

JULIET

What are you doing here? I am supposed to be in bed asleep. No, you can't join me. (Her anger and surprise changes to worry) But don't go. Hide over there. But not too far away. (She looks around) Can you still hear me? Shhh... I don't want them to hear your voice... But I want you to listen. (She becomes sweet and shy) I want to tell you something. I know you can't see my face. The night hides me from you. But when you get closer I can feel myself blushing. (She gets excited) It's because of those things you say to me... (Then she catches herself and scolds him) You shouldn't say them... (Then saddens) But I want to hear more... I want so badly to hear your sweet words again. (Worried) Is it wrong for me to want that? Is it wrong for me to think what I thinking about you? (More determined) I want more than words... More than compliments. I want to hear THE words... The words that mean more than all the rest. (long pause) Tell me you love me... I know you feel it but I want to hear the words... (She closes her eyes and says sweetly) I love you... (long pause; she opens her eyes and is stern) But if you say it and it's a lie... (Sad) I don't think I could survive such a lie. (pause) Lovers lie don't they... Would you lie to get a kiss from me? (pleads) I only want to hear the truth... Please. Don't tell me lies. Say you love me! (She looks around to see if anyone heard her; long pause; she looks at him nervously) I hope I don't seem easy. You think I sound too desperate? (smiles and laughs a little) I sound a bit silly like some school girl... it's because I am so crazy about you. (pause; more serious) I won't lie to you... I love you. It is true love I feel. (pause; nervous) Maybe I should have lied... I should hidden my love from you. My love should stayed hidden in the night, never to see the light of day. (She is startled by a sound) Someone is coming... Please go away... They can't see you here... no one can... Hurry... (She watches him go; sadly) I will send you a kiss good-bye. (She blows him a kiss) FIN

---

Now compare it to the original by William Shakespeare:

JULIET

Thou know'st the mask of night is on my face, Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek For that which thou hast heard me speak to-night Fain would I dwell on form, fain, fain deny What I have spoke: but farewell compliment! Dost thou love me? I know thou wilt say 'Ay,' And I will take thy word: yet if thou swear'st, Thou mayst prove false; at lovers' perjuries Then say, Jove laughs. O gentle Romeo, If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully: Or if thou think'st I am too quickly won, I'll frown and be perverse an say thee nay, So thou wilt woo; but else, not for the world. In truth, fair Montague, I am too fond, And therefore thou mayst think my 'havior light: But trust me, gentleman, I'll prove more true Than those that have more cunning to be strange. I should have been more strange, I must confess, But that thou overheard'st, ere I was ware, My true love's passion: therefore pardon me, And not impute this yielding to light love, Which the dark night hath so discovered.

---

Questions for students:

Which version did you like better? Why?

What is the character like in the modern version?

Is the character different or the same as the original version?

Select a line from each monologue that mean the same thing but are worded differently.

Does the new version capture the meaning of the original?

How did the modern version help you understand the original version?

Why might an older piece of writing like Shakespeare still be meaningful today?

Feel free to post your answers to these questions below and discuss!

---

Find more monologues at http://www.freedrama.net/small1.html

---

Dramatic female monologues from published plays for free

Need a serious play script for one actress

The following monologues are published in the book "Secrets of my Soul":

"The Not So Perfect Child" - Monologue- Female (2-3 minutes)

"Demons" - Short Dramatic Monologue for male or female (3 minutes)

"Breaking Heart" - Monologue- Female (2 minutes)

"Pearls of Wisdom" Monologue-Woman
A play for mature actors (6-7 minutes)

The following monologues are published in the book "Flowers in the Desert":

ISBN: 978-1494806217

"Beauty and Perfection" - Short Monologue from a play - Female (1 minute)

"Piggy Princess" Monologue from a play - Female (1-2 minutes)

"Sob Story" Monologue from a play - Female (1-2 minutes)

"Mess Things Up" Monologue from a play - Female (2+ minutes)

"First Words" Monologue from a play - Female (45 seconds to 1 minute)

---

Monologues from other published plays:

"Hope" - Short Dramatic Monologue from Published Script- Female (1 minute)

"Sleeping Spell" - Comedic Monologue for an Evil Character from Published Script- Female (3 minutes)

"My Mask" Monologue from a published play - Female (30 seconds)

One minute or less free male monologues

Need a short script for an audition, workshop or classroom for one male? Here is a good selection:

"Fallen" - Short Dramatic Monologue for male from a published play (1 minute)

"End the Hurting" - Short Dramatic Monologue (about bullying and abuse)-Male or Female (30 seconds)

"Dreaming of Dragons" - Monologue for Kids - Male or Female (45 seconds to 1 minute)

"Monologue from Another World" - Short Monologue - Male or Female (1 minute)

"Flowers from Phil" - Short Comedic Monologue from Published Script- Male (1 minute)

"Die and Leave Thee" - Comedy (over-dramatic) Monologue - Male (1 minute)

"Goodbye Cruel World" Comedy (over-dramatic) monologue from a published play - Male or Female (1 minute)

"Go Home" Dramedy (angry, sarcastic) monologue from a published play - Male or Female (1 minute)

"Destroy Me" - Dramatic Monologue from Published Script- Male (1 minute)

"Bungled and Botched" - Monologue from Published Script- Male (30-45 seconds)

"Alien Goo" - Comedic Monologue from Published Script- Male (1 minute)

Mama monologue less than a minute for female actress

This 30 second monologue is written by my wife, Shiela Larson and is available for your use for free. Please ask for permission though at doug@freedrama.net (and include the name of the monologue in your request: "Mama").

MAMA  Oh child, 

Why do you insist on waking me up at night?

Why do you act like a cat and poop in something I've just cleaned for you? 

Or make messes in the kitchen and play with the pots and pans thinking you're in a band?

Why do you poke my face with your finger covered in banana?

Why do I put up with it?

Because when you look at me with those big eyes, and say "Mama", it makes it all worth it.

END OF MONOLOGUE
***



From the play "When Mel Fell for Nell" by D. M. Larson available on Amazon.com

---

Find more free monologues at http://www.freedrama.net/small1.html

Drama Teachers! Need a low cost credit course for the summer? Try Drama Games!

Here is an excellent summer professional development online course for drama teachers... Drama Games!

Learn how to use drama techniques to make everyday classroom lessons come to life. Drama Games give teachers a new educational tool for any subject by using improvisational theatre concepts as an active form of learning. Improvisational theatre gives students a fun and interactive way to learn English, reading, literature, history, communications, speech and much more. The activities in this course can be used with all ages of students and in any classroom setting. Text is $11 on Amazon.com

Both graduate and undergrad levels available. Tuition is $300 for 5 quarter credits (or 3 semester).

Learn more at: http://www.hol.edu/view_course.cfm?cid=2759&nav=distance

And check out the syllabus too: http://www.hol.edu/syllabusuploads/Drama%20Games.pdf

Taught by Emmy Award Winner Doug Larson