Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Setting the Scene Dramaturgically”

Sweat specifically takes place in Reading, Pennsylvania, in both 2000 and 2008. At the beginning of each scene, the text gives the specific date and important current news stories. In this activity, students will act as dramaturgs, tracing the play through time and place and making a visual timeline to set the scene and cultural context.

Dramaturgy refers to the study and analysis of a dramatic text through the lens of elements that translate into performance and staging. The visual timeline that you will create in this activity will be helpful to the director, actors, designers, and even the audience.

Part A: As a Class

• Trace and make note of the date and news stories mentioned at the beginning of each scene.
• Create a timeline that graphically represents both 2000 and 2008 as they are presented parallel to each other in the play. Your timeline should show the structure of the play.
• Break into groups, pairs, or individuals (depending on class size), and divide the scenes among these units.

Part B: As Individuals/Pairs/Groups

• For each entry, reread the scene and research the news stories mentioned and the time period.