Tex Workbook

What level is the play for?

What are the advantages of this type of activity when learning a language?

The play is appropriate for students of all ages who have had a minimum of approximately 150 hours of English instruction. It presents various elements that are enjoyable for all students, regardless of the age group. While the play is for all levels, the activities in the workbook are level-oriented, allowing teachers a more specific approach in class work. The tasks have been set for three different levels of difficulty, based on the English-Speaking Union’s Nine-Level Scale, and relate to the Trinity College London and University of Cambridge examinations in the following manner:

♦It increases the student’s interest in learning the language so he or she can discover that English is also useful outside the classroom.

♦It challenges the student to understand English spoken by someone other than his or her teacher, thus improving the student’s listening comprehension.

♦In the days prior to and following the event, the students are highly motivated. Teachers can use the written and audio resources provided to take advantage of this motivation.

♦Working with songs from the play is an excellent opportunity to learn new vocabulary while having fun.

♦It entertains while extolling human values in the process.

♦It preserves the relationship between children and the art of theatre.

Where can I see the play? ARTSPOT holds a regular schedule of performances at theatres and schools in over 100 cities. With a presence in more than 10 countries across the globe, our tours reach new places every day. Please contact our Teachers’ Help Desk to receive information on performances near your area.

Level UCLESHours of

InstructionTrinity College London

Initial and Elementary Stage Starter and Movers Level

Flyers and KET Level

PET, FCE and CAE Level

150 approx.

300 approx.

600 approx.

Intermediate Stage

Advanced Stage

1

2

3

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & ARTISTIC DISCLAIMER The story of “The Legend of Tex” takes place during the European conquest of America in the XVI century. A time in which the continent as a whole experienced one of the darkest eras in human history. Due to the educational nature of our work and the broad age and cultural spectrum of our audience, historical facts have been adapted. The characters and events depicted on the play are fictional and don’t portray any specific native culture or nationality. Our intention was to focus on the fact that this historical tragedy exceeded a particular country or culture and became a tragedy for all humankind. The greed, violence, cruelty, and suffering that inspired this story were shared by many and, unfortunately, are still present today.

The playing area must comply with the following space requirements:

Visit our website or contact our Teachers’ Help Desk for more information:

www.artspot.com.are-mail: [email protected]

Dark stage area: this production has special lighting. To achieve maximum effect a dark playing area is recommended.

Minimum

6m 10m

6m

3.5m

2m

4m

2.5m

--

Width(A)

Depth(B)

Height(C)

Backstage(D)

Optimum

Can the play be presented at my school? Yes, the play can be shown at your school if the venue provides adequate space and meets the designated minimum number of students in attendance. ARTSPOT carries its own set and professional technical systems.

It is the year 1548. After two difficult months of sailing, a ship carrying hungry sailors arrives at the coast of The New World. Captain Shark, a cold-hearted man, is the leader. Alan, a brave but kind adventurer, and Nicky Peterson, the Captain’s ever-faithful assistant, complete the crew. As they are disembarking, Izel, a young native girl, discovers them. Sensing possible danger, but unable to control her curiosity, she walks softly and silently so as to be unnoticed by the sailors. She reaches the strangers’ camp and investigates the visitors’ peculiar belongings. Impulsively, Izel takes one of these new and exciting objects and runs back to her village. When she gets there, she shows the strange object to Chief Tizoc. Instantly, a look of anxiety crosses his normally calm features. He gathers his people and warns them of the imminent danger by sharing with them “The Legend of Tex”.

Many years ago, a group of strangers came to the village; they were cruel people who destroyed the lives of the villagers in a terrible war. Before they were defeated, Tex, a glorious warrior, bravely held off the intruders while many tribal members were able to escape into the wilderness. Exhausted, Tex died in battle, but his courage allowed his people to survive and, after the strangers finally left the village, the remaining tribal members were able to rebuild their lives and their culture back on the coast.

Now, with the realization that these visitors may very well be the same sort of scoundrels who attacked their ancestors, Chief Tizoc orders his people to prepare to leave the village in order to save their lives. Izel, feeling sorry for taking the object from the strangers’ camp, decides to return it before they notice it is missing, but Alan discovers her. He tries to get close to her, but she is terrified. When Izel finally calms down, she realizes that Alan is friendly. However, Captain Shark appears and orders Nicky Peterson to capture her. Alan stands up to his Captain but is forced to back down when Shark threatens to kill Izel if he interferes. With Izel as his prisoner, Shark attacks the village and forces Chief Tizoc and his peaceful people to deliver all the gold they possess. In order to save Izel’s life, they obey, but Shark is greedy. He refuses to believe there is no more gold in the village and threatens to burn down their houses and crop fields if they don’t give him what he wants. With nothing left but their lives, the natives surrender to their cruel fate. Their dreadful past is about to repeat itself. Their only hope is for a new hero to arise—a hero who can write a new chapter in “The Legend of Tex”.

The Legend of Tex

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The New WorldWe are finally readyTo take off to The New World.We’ve got everything on board.Let’s check the wind and raise the sails.Many adventures are waiting for us.

Across the sea,Advancing as fast as we canTo a very mysterious land.Sailing and sailingHoping to reachThe New World.New World.

Going to The New World!New places are waiting for usIn The New World.It’s time to explore new lands,To find cultures unknown to us.I want to arrive safe and soundIn The New World.

The wind is blowing;The ocean is wide and deep,I wonder what’s waiting for me.The trip is long but there is no time to lose.The days are busy with things to do.

Sailing to The New World!New places are waiting for usIn The New World.It’s time to explore new lands,To find cultures unknown to us.I want to arrive safe and soundIn The New World.

Captain Shark:I’m near. I feelThe lovely smell of gold.My nerves are made of steelAnd my blood is cold.

Alan:The time has come to find outIf I’ll fulfill the dreams I have.I want to explore the big wide worldI know that someday I will getTo places unknownAnd find a new world within me.

All:We are in The New WorldNew places are waiting for usIn The New World.It’s time to explore new lands,To find cultures unknown to us.We have arrived safe and soundIn The New World.

Izel:My world!

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Let’s CelebrateSee how the river runs into the oceanAfter receiving the water from the sky.See all the animals gathering to drink As the river goes by.

We know we are one stop in its journey,One more link in the chain of life.We take just what we need and let it flow To the sea.

Let’s celebrate!We work united.Let’s celebrate!We live united.Celebrate, let’s celebrate life!

We live in harmony.Nature is kind and sweet.Celebrate!Let’s celebrate life!

We don’t need many things; We know life is simple When you have an open heart.Just remember that whatever you give Will come back.

Our knowledge is centuries old,Passed on from father to son.Helped by those teachings we knowHow to live our lives.

As we see seasons come and seasons go,Bringing sun or heavy storm,We are thankful to receive Whatever nature gives.


We live in harmony.Nature is kind and sweet.Celebrate!Let’s celebrate life!Celebrate!Let’s celebrate life!

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Under the Same SkyWhen I look at the starsI see they are all different.Each one has its own bright light.Each star is beautiful.

If you look into my eyesI’ll show you who I am.I’ll open up my heartIf you open your eyes.

We all live under the same sky,No matter who we are.Let me shine my own light.Accept me as I am.As you are.As we are.

How can you sing a melodyIf you only know one note?It would be a screamDying in your throat.

We all live under the same sky,No matter who we are.Let me shine my own light.Accept me as I am.As you are.As we are.

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I Want It AllCaptain Shark:There is something I’ve come to getThat can’t slip from my hands.Years of planning will pay off at last.

I’m near, I am so near,I can’t believe my luck.I’m finally going to get what I’ve always desired.

Obey me,It’s your only chance to survive.Give meThe golden calendar.

Chief Tizoc:Our knowledge is centuries old,Passed on from father to son.

Captain Shark:Obey me,It’s your only chance to survive.Give meThe golden calendar…The emeralds…Gold, silver, jewels,Necklaces, diamonds, pearlsAnd anything else you have.

I want it all!No one will dare to make me stop.I can force you to do anything I want,And I want more. Give me your gold!No one can save you, just do as you’re told.I want it all!

Chief Tizoc:The shadows from the past are back;History repeating.I only hope we’re still aliveWhen the shadows have gone.

Captain Shark:I want it all!No one will dare to make me stop.I can force you to do anything I want,And I want more. Give me your gold!No one can save you, just do as you’re told.I want it all!

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Listen to the song The New World. Can you draw a picture of it?

The Trip

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MATCHINGHere is part of the story of the The Legend of Tex. After reading, try to match each numbered description with the correct picture.

1 - After sailing for months, Captain Shark, Alan, and Nicky arrive at the “New World”.

2 - Izel, a native girl, discovers the strangers. She takes one of their objects and runs to her village.

3 - Izel warns her people of her discovery.

4 - When Izel tries to return the object, Captain Shark appears and captures her.

5 - Alan tries to save Izel but Captain Shark defeats him.

6 - Captain Shark finds Izel’s village and forces the natives to hand over all the gold they possess.

7 - The natives obey because Izel is in danger.

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ON THE SHIPHere is a dialogue from the play between Captain Shark, Alan, and Nicky during their long trip. Can you act it out with your friends?

NICKY: Captain, Captain, where are you?

SHARK: I am here, Nicky Peterson.

NICKY: Are we there yet?

SHARK: No, Nicky Peterson.





NICKY: But, where are we on the map?

SHARK: We are here. NICKY: So… are we there yet?

SHARK & ALAN: A bird!

NICKY: So?

ALAN: Where do birds live, Nicky Peterson?

NICKY: In small nests.

ALAN: And where do birds build those small nests?

NICKY: In trees...

ALAN: And where do trees grow, Nicky Peterson?

NICKY: On the land?

ALAN: So? SHARK, ALAN & NICKY: Land ho!

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Izel Alan

Nicky Peterson Captain Shark

Chief Tizoc

MY FAVORITE CHARACTERNow that you’ve seen The Legend of Tex, who was your favorite character? What can you tell us about him or her?

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MY FAVORITE SCENEAfter seeing The Legend of Tex, what was your favorite part? Can you make a drawing and tell us why?

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NATUREHere are the lyrics of the song Let’s Celebrate. Some of the words are missing. Place the given words where you think they belong. Then listen to the song and find out if you were right!

son - ocean - chain - heart - journey - harmony - seasons - nature -knowledge - storm - river - animals - lives - sky

See how the _______________ runs into the _______________After receiving the water from the _______________.See all the _______________ gathering to drink as the river goes by.

We know we are one stop in its _______________One more link in the _______________ of lifeWe take just what we need and let it flow to the sea.


We live in _______________._______________ is kind and sweet.Celebrate!Let’s celebrate life!

We don’t need many things; we know life is simple When you have an open _______________.Just remember that whatever you give will come back.

Our _______________ is centuries old,Passed on from father to _______________.Helped by those teachings we knowHow to live our _______________.

As we see _______________ come and seasons go,Bringing sun or heavy _______________,We are thankful to receive whatever nature gives.


We live...

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THE CHEST OF THE PASTHere is a dialogue from the play between Chief Tizoc, Izel, Apoc, and Epoc. Can you act it out with your friends?

TIZOC: Izel! You are late!IZEL: I’m sorry Chief Tizoc, but I--TIZOC (Interrupting): No excuses.IZEL: Please, I--TIZOC: What’s happening now?IZEL: Nothing.TIZOC: Izel...IZEL: Really, nothing.TIZOC: Show me your hands. (Izel shows him her right hand.) The other one. (Izel changes the spyglass to her right hand and shows Tizoc her left hand.) Izel!IZEL: I found something.TIZOC: Where?IZEL: On the beach.TIZOC: When?IZEL: Just a moment ago.TIZOC: How?IZEL: I was walking on the beach when I saw three strangers. I hid and spied on them for a while. When they left, I got closer and I found this. (Izel shows Tizoc the spyglass. When he sees it, his face reveals his terror.) Chief, what is the matter?TIZOC (to Apoc and Epoc): You two, bring me the Chest of the Past. (Apoc and Epoc exit and return momentarily with the Chest of the Past.)IZEL: Why?TIZOC: There is a story I need to tell you, Izel.IZEL: What story?TIZOC: This kind of men have been here before.IZEL: When?TIZOC: Long ago. They killed many of us.IZEL: Why?TIZOC: They wanted our calendar and our treasures, but we fought back.IZEL: How?TIZOC: Let’s start from the beginning... (He opens the chest and tells the story by showing the object from the past.) Many years ago, a group of white men arrived at the village. Our people welcomed them, hoping to become friends. They showed the white men our calendar and our treasures. But the invaders were mean and evil and wanted to possess the calendar. They started fighting. Many intruders died and many of our people died, too. Until one day, when Tex, a glorious warrior, appeared. He told our people: “You go, save our culture. I will stay.” Tex fought against the strangers, until, exhausted from fighting, he died. But thanks to the courage of Tex, we are alive today. We have to be careful with these strangers.

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THE STORYRead the story carefully and then answer the questions that follow.

It is the year 1548. A ship arrives in the “New World” carrying three sailors. Captain Shark is the leader. Alan, a brave but kind adventurer, and Nicky Peterson, the Captain’s assistant, complete the crew. Izel, a young native girl, discovers them and examines their belongings. Impulsively, she takes one of the strange objects and runs to her village. When she gets there, she shows the object to Chief Tizoc. Alarmed, he gathers his people and warns them of the imminent danger by telling them the Legend of Tex:

Many years ago, a group of strangers came to the village. They were cruel people who destroyed the lives of the villagers in a terrible war. Before the villagers were defeated, Tex, a glorious warrior, bravely held off the intruders while the rest of the tribe escaped into the wilderness. Exhausted, Tex died in battle, but his courage allowed his people to survive. When the strangers finally left the village, the remaining tribal members were able to return to the coast and rebuild their lives and their culture.

Chief Tizoc orders his people to prepare to abandon the village in order to save their lives. Izel, feeling guilty for taking the object from the strangers’ camp, decides to return it before they notice it is missing. At the camp, Alan discovers Izel and tries to approach her, but she is terrified. When Izel finally calms down, she realizes that Alan is friendly. Captain Shark appears and orders Nicky Peterson to capture the native girl. Alan stands up to his Captain but is forced to back down when Shark threatens to kill Izel if he interferes. With Izel as his prisoner, Shark attacks the village and forces Chief Tizoc and his peaceful people to deliver all the gold they possess. They obey in order to save Izel’s life, but Shark is not satisfied; he wants more…

Who arrives at the “New World”?What scares Chief Tizoc?How did Tex save his people?Why do you think Izel is terrified when Alan discovers her?Why does Captain Shark capture Izel?How do you think the story ends?

Questions:

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SCENESA complete play is often divided into smaller sections called “scenes”. After seeing The Legend of Tex, can you describe what happens in each scene? Here are some pictures to help you remember.

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ONEFirst, listen to the song Under The Same Sky. Can you explain the song’s message? Is there some situation at your school, in your city, or in your country for which you think this message might be relevant?

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INTO THE STORYCarefully read this plot synopsis for The Legend of Tex and then answer the questions that follow:

It is the year 1548 AD. After two difficult months at sea, a crew of hungry sailors lands on the coast of the New World. Captain Shark, a cold-hearted man, is their leader. Alan, a brave but kind adventurer, and Nicky Peterson, the Captain’s ever-faithful assistant, complete the crew. As they disembark, they are discovered by Izel, a young native girl. Sensing possible danger, but unable to control her curiosity, she approaches silently and unnoticed. She reaches the strangers’ camp and investigates their peculiar belongings. Impulsively, Izel steals one of these new and exciting objects and runs away. When she gets back to her village, she shows the strange object to Chief Tizoc. Instantly, a look of anxiety crosses his normally calm features. He gathers his people and warns them of the imminent danger by sharing with them the Legend of Tex:

Many years ago, a group of strangers came to the village. They were cruel people who destroyed the lives of the villagers in a terrible war. Before they were defeated, Tex, a glorious warrior, bravely held off the intruders while the rest of the tribe escaped into the wilderness. Exhausted, Tex died in battle, but his courage allowed his people to survive. When the strangers finally left the village, the remaining tribal members were able to return to the coast and rebuild their lives and their culture.

With the realization that these visitors may very well be the same sort of scoundrels who attacked their ancestors, Chief Tizoc orders his people to prepare to flee the village in order to save their lives. Izel, feeling sorry for taking the object from the strangers’ camp, decides to return it before they notice it is missing, but Alan discovers her. He tries to get close to her, but she is terrified. When Izel finally calms down, she realizes that Alan is friendly. However, Captain Shark appears and orders Nicky Peterson to capture her. Alan stands up to his Captain but is forced to back down when Shark threatens to kill Izel if he interferes. With Izel as his prisoner, Shark attacks the village and forces Chief Tizoc and his peaceful people to deliver all the gold they possess. They obey in order to save Izel’s life, but Shark is greedy. He refuses to believe there is no more gold in the village and threatens to raze their houses and fields if they don’t give him what he wants. With nothing left but their lives, the natives surrender to their cruel fate. Their dreadful past is about to repeat itself. Their only hope is for a new hero to rise -- a hero who can write a new chapter in the Legend of Tex.

Questions:

Who disembark at the coast of the “New World”?What does Izel do that scares Chief Tizoc?According to legend, how did Tex save his people?Why do you think Izel is terrified when Alan discovers her?Why does Captain Shark capture Izel?How do you think the story ends?

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THE CHARACTERSNow that you’ve seen The Legend of Tex, describe the characters from the play.

Izel

Chief Tizoc

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Captain Shark

Nicky Peterson

Alan

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THE CONQUESTImagine you are native boy or girl living in the 1500s in what was referred to back then as the “New World”. Suddenly, a group of strangers arrives at your village, looking for your treasures or hoping to change your way of life. Write a short story about your experience and feelings.

Tex Workbook

Documents

Transcript of Tex Workbook