Character Exploration // The Mad Hatter // Alice in Wonderland // Drama Lesson

Описание: Lesson objective: To explore the characterisation and language of the Mad Hatter in Alice and Wonderland by creating an invitation to the Mad Hatters iconic tea party.

Task 1: Understanding Character

Read the following extract from Alice in Wonderland. Think about how the Mad Hatter might be presented. How might he speak and act? What might his language be like? Could he have any specific character traits? Such as a stutter / a twitch / a unique laugh or perhaps an odd stare? It's completely open to your interpretation.

"Alice approaches a large table, where the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and a Door mouse are sitting – the Dormouse is asleep. She is told there is no room, but she sits down.They both insult her and tell her nonsense riddles. Due to their curious approach totime, they explain that they must keep moving round the table having tea as it is always six o’clock. The Dormouse tells a story, but falls asleep before the end of it. Alice walks awayas the Mad Hatter and March Hare are trying to put the Dormouse into a teapot. Alice finds a door in a tree and there on the glass table is the golden key. At last, she is able to unlock the door and walk into the beautiful garden."

Watch the following clips if you need some ideas!
Original Version -    • Alice in Wonderland Mad Tea Party  
Tim Burton - Jonny Depp -    • Alice in Wonderland - Tea Party HD  
Youth Stage Version -    • MRHS Alice In Wonderland - Mad Hatter Tea ...  

Task 2: Writing in Role

Imagine you are the Mad Hatter. Thinking as the character you must write a formal invitation to Alice, requesting her company at the tea party.

As you have seen from the clips, all the characters are often speaking nonsense. Why not start by researching some formal invitation language and try to make it more bizarre? You might use riddles or even create some nonsense words yourself!

Task 3: Design / Performance

CHOOSE ONE OF THESE OPTIONS
1. Design the invitation - making it as bizarre and colourful as possible.
2. Record a video invitation for Alice, performing as the Mad Hatter, using what you have written on your invitation as the script.

Enjoy the lesson!

#acting #wonderland #dramalesson