UNTRAINED

Reflection and Exploration of Self and Identity
Topic/Theme Learning Experiences
Reflection and
Exploration of Self
and Identity
1. Ask students to listen to the following quote:
The evolution of information about each man, built up through units of action, points out what draws us together and what sets
us apart as individuals.
(Explain that this is a description of ‘Untrained’ as provided in marketing materials by Lucy Guerin Inc.)
2. Discuss what this quote evokes for the students understanding of the performance. What differences did they believe there were
between the performers? Did they view them as ‘individuals’ or as part of a ‘team’ involved in a common production?
3. Divide students into four groups with each being allocated one performer. Students are to reflect on two areas and provide
examples:
• What do they believe their particular performer did within the production to contribute to an audiences understanding of
their personal identity?
• Do they believe that the ‘identity’ being revealed on stage was a construct or a reflection of true identity?
4. Groups are to share their thoughts on their performer with the class to prompt more general discussion of identity and identity
creation.
5. Ask each student to record his or her thoughts about identity creation. The following statement could be used as a
prompt/challenge to encourage reflection.
Nobody ever shows their true identity, all we show about ourselves is constructed through our own ideas of who we wish to be,
and believe those around us wish us to be.
NB No student will be required to share their ideas if they do not wish to – they will be used, however as stimulus for the following
activity.
6. Students to use their reflection (either in agreement or opposition to the statement) as a stimulus for designing a multi-media
sculpture OR physical tableaux. Students to be given the option as to which task they complete.
NB It would be beneficial to have some pictures/examples of sculptures and physical tableaux for inspiration.
Sculpture
7. Students to develop a sculpture as inspired by their reflection – consider the use of a sculpture (portrait) in Untrained. In this
activity, it does not need to represent a known object, and can be abstract.
8. Students should follow proper design and make procedures (sketching design and deciding materials before beginning
construction).
9. Sculptures to be displayed - students to decide on an appropriate one-word title for their work.
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