Our Shared Story: Devised Theater for Peace

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Drama
Grades 5-8
30-60 Minutes

Materials Needed

  • • Open space suitable for movement and group work
  • • Whiteboard or large chart paper
  • • Markers
  • • Paper
  • • Pens/pencils
  • • Simple props (fabric scraps, ropes, blocks, keyword signs) (Optional)

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

You can find an introduction to Goal 16, as well as the Targets & Indicators, Objectives, and Action Planning Resources on the Goal overview page.

See Goal 16 Overview
Goal 16 icon

Introduce devised theater as group puzzle creating story without script. Explain building blocks: Movement (showing ideas), Sound (voices expressing feelings), Teamwork (responding to each other). Introduce Global Goal 16.

1

Start the Machine

Class builds human "justice machine". First student adds movement and sound representing part of peaceful/fair society (rule humming, fairness clapping, law tapping, voice speaking).
2

Add Parts

Each additional student adds movement and sound representing part of peaceful/fair society.
3

Grow the Machine

Machine grows as students add parts.
1

Choose Theme

Groups of 3-4 choose Global Goal 16 theme (reducing violence, ending abuse, access to justice, reducing corruption, inclusive communities, access to information).
2

Create Scene

Create short devised scene using bodies and voices to "show, don't tell".
Groups perform scenes. After each, discuss:
  • What story did you see?
  • What movements or sounds stood out?
  • What feelings did the scene evoke?
  • How does this connect to Global Goal 16?

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Previous Lesson
Finding Our Balance: A Global Goal 16 Movement & Dance Exploration
Next Lesson
A Limerick Lesson on Justice

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