Instructions: Make a copy of the sheet below for each student.  Then divide the class into groups so that each group has 6-7 members.  Send students out of the classroom to follow the instructions on the sheet. Give them no nmore than 7 or 8 minutes to throw the scene together.  Then assemble everyone in the classroom, have each group perform their scene, and when all have performed, discuss the similarities and differences. The point is to show that even a scene as scripted as this dumbshow allows for variations.

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Instructions:

Cast the following scene, rehearse, and perform it.

The cast includes the following:
A Narrator
A King
A Queen
A Poisoner
Two or Three Extras

Hautboys play.

The dumb-show enters.

Enter a KING and a QUEEN very lovingly; the QUEEN embracing him, and he her.

She kneels, and makes show of protestation unto him. He takes her up, and declines his head upon her neck; lays him down upon a bank of flowers: she, seeing him asleep, leaves him.

Anon comes in a fellow, takes off his crown, kisses it, and pours poison in the KING'S ears, and exit.
The QUEEN returns; finds the KING dead, and makes passionate action.

The POISONER, with some two or three MUTES, comes in again, seeming to lament with her. The dead body is carried away.

The POISONER woos the QUEEN with gifts: she seems loth and unwilling awhile, but in the end accepts his love.

Exeunt.