The Tragedy Project
description of the project
For a greek tragedy project we first read two famous greek plays to get a better understanding. The plays were Oedipus rex and Medea after reading them we discussed what made them tragic. Later on as a class we watch Death of a salesman a monderday tragedy I’m glad we watch this because we could relate to it better than an ancient play with more mythology. Then we choose partners and a social issue to write are play on we chose drug addiction in america. After research we made a graphic novel and personated it to the class.
For a greek tragedy project we first read two famous greek plays to get a better understanding. The plays were Oedipus rex and Medea after reading them we discussed what made them tragic. Later on as a class we watch Death of a salesman a monderday tragedy I’m glad we watch this because we could relate to it better than an ancient play with more mythology. Then we choose partners and a social issue to write are play on we chose drug addiction in america. After research we made a graphic novel and personated it to the class.
Greek Tragedy Reflection
1. What are you most proud of about your project?
I’m most proud of me and my partners creativity during the project. We sat down for 10-15 minutes talking about what we could do for the play we had alternate endings and charters and had a lot of fun doing it. I think it has made me even better at brain storming not just for big projects but also simp work.
2. What advice would you give a student next year about how to be successful with this project?
To be successful for this project you need to plan everything out to a T. We almost ran out of time for this project and its scary to be in that situation. A good thing to do is writ in your planer what you're going to do for each day you’ll get a better understanding on what the next couple weeks are going to look like.
3.How do you feel working in partners went?
I feel like working in partners is very important to this project. Like I said we came up with great ideas for this project and worked really well together. I would work with someone you haven't work with because you could come up with good thoughts on what to do. I won't lie I didn't give my 100% this project I could of worked harder.
4. What proved to be the most challenging task for you personally and how did you work to overcome it?
The biggest challenge would have to be working on the graphic novel and writing the play. We had to look at a lot of the other plays so we model are play after theirs. It was also hard trying to put all the ideas on one page. As for the graphic novel it was my first time creating some thing like that I was very confused on what to do. After we took all the pictures and arranging them we got hold of it.
1. What are you most proud of about your project?
I’m most proud of me and my partners creativity during the project. We sat down for 10-15 minutes talking about what we could do for the play we had alternate endings and charters and had a lot of fun doing it. I think it has made me even better at brain storming not just for big projects but also simp work.
2. What advice would you give a student next year about how to be successful with this project?
To be successful for this project you need to plan everything out to a T. We almost ran out of time for this project and its scary to be in that situation. A good thing to do is writ in your planer what you're going to do for each day you’ll get a better understanding on what the next couple weeks are going to look like.
3.How do you feel working in partners went?
I feel like working in partners is very important to this project. Like I said we came up with great ideas for this project and worked really well together. I would work with someone you haven't work with because you could come up with good thoughts on what to do. I won't lie I didn't give my 100% this project I could of worked harder.
4. What proved to be the most challenging task for you personally and how did you work to overcome it?
The biggest challenge would have to be working on the graphic novel and writing the play. We had to look at a lot of the other plays so we model are play after theirs. It was also hard trying to put all the ideas on one page. As for the graphic novel it was my first time creating some thing like that I was very confused on what to do. After we took all the pictures and arranging them we got hold of it.
Asher Ladin
Zoe Patana
The Devil’s Backbone
Prologue
(One young boy and the baby sit in their messy, unwelcoming family room, awaiting for their mother to reveal her news, while sirens are wailing off in the distance)
Maria Castillo: (With tears in her eyes and a worried voice) Son… your father, he’s not coming back for a while, but we will be ok. Don’t you worry about a thing.
Leonardo Castillo: (Being only 7 years old) But Mommy where’d he go?
Maria Castillo: (Starting to tear up and choking on her words, she holds baby Scottie) It will be clear when you’re older Leo, I promise.
Chorus:
(As t.v. reporters)
Hello, I’m Diane Sawyer
Here to tell you the evening news
Marijuana, Cocaine, and Heroin
The most common drugs here in California
Over 500 inmates are imprisoned
For drug possession
Anyone possessing these drugs
Find yourself a close rehab
The police and government are not happy.
Scene 1:
(As Scottie prepares to talk to his mother, the only thing going through his mind is smoking, the only thing that keeps him sane when he’s nervous. In the moment he starts the remember the first time he he started drugs.)
Sammy (Scotties friend): Come on dude, just take a hit.
Charlie (Scotties friend): You'll feel better man trust me! You won’t regret it.
Eddie (Scotties friend): Yeah Scott what do you have to lose?
Scottie Castillo: Ok, fine, just this once but don’t tell anyone…
(Scottie still gazing into the room that he once shared with his brother who is now in college. He finally gets back to reality and walks into the kitchen where his mom is making lunch for his little sister.)
Scottie Castillo: (With a curious look in his eyes) Hey mom? Can I ask you a question?
Maria Castillo: Of course sweetie?
Scottie Castillo: Mom we talked about this I’m not “sweetie”, but anyway, can we talk without Mia in the room?
Maria Castillo: (Looking partially puzzled and talking to Mia) Honey, can you go into the other room for me please?
Mia Castillo: But MOOOM!
Scottie Castillo: (Getting frustrated) Mia. Go.
(Mia leaves the room)
Scottie Castillo: Sooo mom, About dad…
Maria Castillo: (Quietly) You want to know where he is?...
Scottie Castillo: (Confidently) You always told me you’d tell me where he was when I was ready and I am now.
Maria Castillo: (Looking nervous and being very hesitant) Well, Scottie. Your father… He’s… in prison. For… drug possession. And I don’t know when he’ll be back.
Scottie Castillo: Why didnt you tell me sooner?
Maria Castillo: I was just trying to protect you.
Scottie Castillo: Well you did a really good job of keeping this a secret!
(Scottie angrily leaves the house, slamming the door, walking down his run down neighborhood, heading to school.)
Chorus:
(As t.v. reporters)
Good Evening California
I’m Pablo Motos here to,
Talk about the new hot topic
Drug addiction
As you may know
I am a recovered drug addict
Starting from marijuana it lead
To many more drugs
Which lead to my overdose
Luckily I came out of it and recovered
Moral of the story ditch the drugs
While you can control them,
‘Cause they will control you
Until next time California, Pablo’s out
Scene 2:
(Scottie finally made it to school, as he’s walking down the hallways heading to his first class over the intercom an announcement comes on.)
Announcement: (In a muffled tone) ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS!!! ALL STUDENTS GO TO THE AUDITORIUM WERE HAVING A GUEST SPEAKER…
(Speaker fades, Scottie starts walking to the gym for the assembly, he sits with his group of friends)
Eddie: (With a frustrated tone) *Groan* What are we going in here?!
Charlie: (Has headphones in blaring his music, takes out on earphone.) What’s going on? Why are we in the gym???
Sammy: Lets just ditch gu…
(Lights get slightly dimmer and the principal walks out onto the stage)
Principal: (Talking into a microphone, with a controlling voice.) I bet you’re all wondering why we called you in here. Well, at the last minute we had the county jail call us and ask if we wanted to have one of the former drug possessors (Scottie scoffs) to come and talk to you guys about what the consequences of possessing drugs and how they have changed this mans life. We will answer everyones questions in the end. Now.. (Looks backstage and words “His name?” then turns back.) heres Juan Castillo.
(Scotties jaw is opened and he has a look of surprise, confusion, worry, and relief all at the same time.)
Eddie, Charlie, and Sammy: (In unison) Is that your dad?!
(Scottie is still in awe)
Scottie Castillo: (Stuttering) I… Uhhh… I’m... a… I think so.
Juan Castillo: Well when I was 25 I became addicted to Marijuana it started as just a little habit. After a while it became a daily thing. By age 29 I then found myself falling into depression. I thought I could subside that pain by doing heroin or sniffing cocaine. Because I made the choices I did I ended up having to leave my 2 sons and my wife. I dont know where they are now... I never even got to say goodbye to them…
(Scottie with tears in his eyes runs out of the school building.)
(He runs to his house, out of breathe digging through the messy drawer. Scottie grabs xanax and dumps the pills on the counter, opens another cabinet, grabs a cup and fills it with water.)
(He catches his breath… grabs a notebook and pen from his backpack and starts writing a letter addressed to his mother, brother, and sister.)
Scottie Castillo: (Catching his breath and talking under his breath) Mom, this is it. I'm sorry but I've found out so much just today..I met Juan, that's his name isn't it?? Not knowing anything has been driving me crazy and I just... I just can't do it anymore tell Mia I love her. Your son, Scottie.
(Picks up pills and glass of water... Takes the pills one by one… Scene fades, and then a drop to the floor. Door opens, *female scream, and police sirens...)
Chorus:
(As t.v. reporters)
Hello, I'm Elena Colennello
And I'm here in Southern California
I am at the scene of a young sir
Scottie Castillo.
This young child has just
Lost his life to prescription drugs
Mr. Castillo was found by his mother
She stated that there was no signs
Of Scottie being depressed
He was always a happy, wishful kid
Finding about his father seems to be
The reasoning behind this loss
That's all see you next time I'm
Elena Colennello from Channel 9 News.
Zoe Patana
The Devil’s Backbone
Prologue
(One young boy and the baby sit in their messy, unwelcoming family room, awaiting for their mother to reveal her news, while sirens are wailing off in the distance)
Maria Castillo: (With tears in her eyes and a worried voice) Son… your father, he’s not coming back for a while, but we will be ok. Don’t you worry about a thing.
Leonardo Castillo: (Being only 7 years old) But Mommy where’d he go?
Maria Castillo: (Starting to tear up and choking on her words, she holds baby Scottie) It will be clear when you’re older Leo, I promise.
Chorus:
(As t.v. reporters)
Hello, I’m Diane Sawyer
Here to tell you the evening news
Marijuana, Cocaine, and Heroin
The most common drugs here in California
Over 500 inmates are imprisoned
For drug possession
Anyone possessing these drugs
Find yourself a close rehab
The police and government are not happy.
Scene 1:
(As Scottie prepares to talk to his mother, the only thing going through his mind is smoking, the only thing that keeps him sane when he’s nervous. In the moment he starts the remember the first time he he started drugs.)
Sammy (Scotties friend): Come on dude, just take a hit.
Charlie (Scotties friend): You'll feel better man trust me! You won’t regret it.
Eddie (Scotties friend): Yeah Scott what do you have to lose?
Scottie Castillo: Ok, fine, just this once but don’t tell anyone…
(Scottie still gazing into the room that he once shared with his brother who is now in college. He finally gets back to reality and walks into the kitchen where his mom is making lunch for his little sister.)
Scottie Castillo: (With a curious look in his eyes) Hey mom? Can I ask you a question?
Maria Castillo: Of course sweetie?
Scottie Castillo: Mom we talked about this I’m not “sweetie”, but anyway, can we talk without Mia in the room?
Maria Castillo: (Looking partially puzzled and talking to Mia) Honey, can you go into the other room for me please?
Mia Castillo: But MOOOM!
Scottie Castillo: (Getting frustrated) Mia. Go.
(Mia leaves the room)
Scottie Castillo: Sooo mom, About dad…
Maria Castillo: (Quietly) You want to know where he is?...
Scottie Castillo: (Confidently) You always told me you’d tell me where he was when I was ready and I am now.
Maria Castillo: (Looking nervous and being very hesitant) Well, Scottie. Your father… He’s… in prison. For… drug possession. And I don’t know when he’ll be back.
Scottie Castillo: Why didnt you tell me sooner?
Maria Castillo: I was just trying to protect you.
Scottie Castillo: Well you did a really good job of keeping this a secret!
(Scottie angrily leaves the house, slamming the door, walking down his run down neighborhood, heading to school.)
Chorus:
(As t.v. reporters)
Good Evening California
I’m Pablo Motos here to,
Talk about the new hot topic
Drug addiction
As you may know
I am a recovered drug addict
Starting from marijuana it lead
To many more drugs
Which lead to my overdose
Luckily I came out of it and recovered
Moral of the story ditch the drugs
While you can control them,
‘Cause they will control you
Until next time California, Pablo’s out
Scene 2:
(Scottie finally made it to school, as he’s walking down the hallways heading to his first class over the intercom an announcement comes on.)
Announcement: (In a muffled tone) ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS!!! ALL STUDENTS GO TO THE AUDITORIUM WERE HAVING A GUEST SPEAKER…
(Speaker fades, Scottie starts walking to the gym for the assembly, he sits with his group of friends)
Eddie: (With a frustrated tone) *Groan* What are we going in here?!
Charlie: (Has headphones in blaring his music, takes out on earphone.) What’s going on? Why are we in the gym???
Sammy: Lets just ditch gu…
(Lights get slightly dimmer and the principal walks out onto the stage)
Principal: (Talking into a microphone, with a controlling voice.) I bet you’re all wondering why we called you in here. Well, at the last minute we had the county jail call us and ask if we wanted to have one of the former drug possessors (Scottie scoffs) to come and talk to you guys about what the consequences of possessing drugs and how they have changed this mans life. We will answer everyones questions in the end. Now.. (Looks backstage and words “His name?” then turns back.) heres Juan Castillo.
(Scotties jaw is opened and he has a look of surprise, confusion, worry, and relief all at the same time.)
Eddie, Charlie, and Sammy: (In unison) Is that your dad?!
(Scottie is still in awe)
Scottie Castillo: (Stuttering) I… Uhhh… I’m... a… I think so.
Juan Castillo: Well when I was 25 I became addicted to Marijuana it started as just a little habit. After a while it became a daily thing. By age 29 I then found myself falling into depression. I thought I could subside that pain by doing heroin or sniffing cocaine. Because I made the choices I did I ended up having to leave my 2 sons and my wife. I dont know where they are now... I never even got to say goodbye to them…
(Scottie with tears in his eyes runs out of the school building.)
(He runs to his house, out of breathe digging through the messy drawer. Scottie grabs xanax and dumps the pills on the counter, opens another cabinet, grabs a cup and fills it with water.)
(He catches his breath… grabs a notebook and pen from his backpack and starts writing a letter addressed to his mother, brother, and sister.)
Scottie Castillo: (Catching his breath and talking under his breath) Mom, this is it. I'm sorry but I've found out so much just today..I met Juan, that's his name isn't it?? Not knowing anything has been driving me crazy and I just... I just can't do it anymore tell Mia I love her. Your son, Scottie.
(Picks up pills and glass of water... Takes the pills one by one… Scene fades, and then a drop to the floor. Door opens, *female scream, and police sirens...)
Chorus:
(As t.v. reporters)
Hello, I'm Elena Colennello
And I'm here in Southern California
I am at the scene of a young sir
Scottie Castillo.
This young child has just
Lost his life to prescription drugs
Mr. Castillo was found by his mother
She stated that there was no signs
Of Scottie being depressed
He was always a happy, wishful kid
Finding about his father seems to be
The reasoning behind this loss
That's all see you next time I'm
Elena Colennello from Channel 9 News.