Darkness. Murder. Emotion. These traits characterize expressionist theater. A video, number 38 on the Crash Course Drama and Theater playlist, discusses key themes and works from the period. An overview of Spring Awakening, which inspired the well-known Broadway musical, appears in the video.

Concepts

dramatic plays, expressionism, modernism

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Additional Tags

visual and performing arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Project images of several expressionist paintings and make a list of their shared characteristics

Classroom Considerations

• Covers the period of time just after World War 1 

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Full of examples of plays from the period
• Includes interdisciplinary connections, such as art and history

Cons

• Feels somewhat slow and dry

Common Core

RL.9-10.7 RL.11-12.7 RH.9-10.7 RH.11-12.7