Living Pictures: Tableau Vivant for Global Goal 1

1. No Poverty
Drama
Grades 9-12
15-30 Minutes

Goal 1: No Poverty

You can find an introduction to Goal 1, as well as the Targets & Indicators, Objectives, and Action Planning Resources on the Goal overview page.

See Goal 1 Overview
Goal 1 icon

Gather inspiring images or short videos related to poverty and resilience. These can be sourced from news articles, documentaries, or organizations working on poverty alleviation. Examples:

  • "Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry
    Why: This powerful photo captures the resilience and determination of a young girl facing adversity, prompting reflections on the impact of conflict and displacement on individuals.
  • "The Flower Seller" by Diego Rivera
    Why: This vibrant mural depicts the dignity and strength of indigenous Mexican workers, sparking conversations about cultural identity, social justice, and economic inequality.
  • "Migrant Mother" by Dorthea Lange
    Why: This iconic photograph from the Great Depression captures the determination of a mother facing hardship, prompting reflection on the impact of economic downturns on families.
  • "Resilience" by Banksy
    Why: This recent work depicts a young gymnast performing a handstand on the rubble of a destroyed building in Ukraine, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of war and destruction.
  • "Mully" Documentary Trailer
    Why: This inspiring story of a man who dedicated his life to rescuing and empowering orphans in Kenya highlights the transformative power of compassion, education, and community.
  • "This is Poverty" Short
    Why: This five-minute video features powerful interviews with individuals experiencing poverty in the UK, highlighting the emotional and social impact beyond just financial hardship

Create slips of paper with various themes for each group (examples below).
Optional: Gather simple props for the Tableau Vivant exercise, such as chairs, tables, scarves/blankets/cloth, cardboard, books, pens/pencils, bowls/plates/signs.
Example of how to explain to students: "Okay everyone, now we're going to do an activity called Tableau Vivant. It's a fancy French term that means 'living picture.' Basically, you'll be working in small groups to create a frozen scene – like a photograph – using your bodies and facial expressions. Your tableau will represent a specific aspect of poverty or resilience. Think of it as a silent way to tell a story or express an emotion. You can use any props you can find in the classroom to help you create your tableau. The goal is to make your message clear and powerful without using any words."

1

Form Groups

Divide students into small groups.
2

Assign Themes

Assign each group a theme, ensuring a balance of both challenging and empowering topics. Here are some examples:

Challenging themes:
• A family struggling to find shelter
• A child unable to attend school due to poverty
• A person experiencing discrimination due to their socioeconomic status.

Empowering themes:
• A community coming together to support a homeless individual
• A student overcoming poverty through education and hard work
• An activist fighting for economic justice.
1

Create Tableaux

Give each group 5-10 minutes to create their tableau. Encourage them to use their bodies, facial expressions, and any props available (e.g., chairs, scarves).
2

Present Tableaux

Have each group present their tableau to the class while remaining silent.
3

Observe and Interpret

Invite the audience to observe and interpret the tableau, writing down their thoughts and feelings.
4

Group Explanation

After each presentation, ask the group to explain their tableau and the message they intended to convey. Encourage them to share their artistic choices and how they relate to the theme of poverty or resilience
5

Facilitate Discussion

Facilitate a brief discussion after each tableau, inviting the audience to share their interpretations and ask questions (based on what they wrote down).

Tips:
• Emphasize the importance of empathy and respect throughout both activities.
• Provide ample time for students to express their thoughts and feelings.
• Encourage creativity and allow students to explore different perspectives.
• Use open-ended questions to foster deeper reflection and understanding.
1
How did creating a "living picture" help you understand the chosen aspect of poverty or resilience on a deeper level?
2
What did you learn about the power of nonverbal communication to convey complex emotions and social issues?
3
What were some of the challenges in communicating your theme effectively without using words?
4
How did the process of creating a static image, compared to a moving performance, affect your understanding of the issue?
5
What did you notice about the impact of the tableaux on the audience? What emotions or thoughts did it evoke?
6
What different interpretations did you observe from the audience, and how did they compare to your group's intended message?
7
Did seeing the other groups' tableaux broaden your understanding of the many facets of poverty and resilience?
8
How did the different themes presented by each group connect to create a larger picture of the issue?
9
What did you learn about the importance of perspective and empathy in understanding the experiences of others?
10
How did the act of creating a tableau shift your perspective on poverty or resilience compared to simply reading or talking about it?
11
Did any of the tableaux resonate with you on a personal level, perhaps connecting to your own feelings or experiences?
12
What did you learn about the strength and dignity of individuals facing poverty through this activity?
13
How might the experience of creating or witnessing these "living pictures" influence your willingness to take action to address poverty?
14
What kind of message about poverty and resilience do you think could be effectively conveyed through tableau vivant to a wider audience?
15
What role do you see for creative expression, like drama, in advocating for social change and addressing issues like poverty?
  • Consistent and enthusiastic involvement in all phases of the lesson, including the initial image/video discussions, brainstorming themes, group tableau creation, and sharing sessions.
  • Comprehension of Global Goal 1, targets and concepts, as demonstrated through the symbolism and intention within their tableau vivant and verbal explanations.
  • Originality and effectiveness in designing a frozen picture that vividly represents the specific aspects of poverty (e.g., hunger, homelessness, lack of education) and/or resilience (e.g., hope, determination, community support) using only their bodies and facial expressions.
  • How clearly and powerfully the tableau communicated its intended message without words. Did the tableau successfully evoke thought or emotion in the audience?
  • Ability to work effectively within the small groups, contributing ideas, respecting diverse interpretations, and collaborating cohesively to create the tableau.
  • Ability to observe other groups' tableaux critically and empathetically, offering thoughtful interpretations and asking insightful questions during the discussion phase.
  • Nuance and depth of understanding demonstrated in reflections, particularly concerning the role of nonverbal communication in understanding the human experience of poverty.

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Freeze Frame for Fairness: Creating Living Pictures for Global Goal 1
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