4 PowerPoint counterpoint

• Visit the Vital page on the NATE site to see the materials provided for this resource, http://www.nate.org.uk/ page/ vital [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

  The files you can download and adapt there include the scripts for the speeches from Macbeth and Blake’s A Poison Tree as well as ‘PowerPoint counterpoint’, an illustration based on a speech from Macbeth.

The basic idea is simple – perform a poem, a story, or a scene from a play while projecting text and images in the background, and possibly playing a soundtrack.

The writing involves creating the projected image/text in such a way that it provides a commentary on, or provocatively disagrees with, the performance.

For instance, Macbeth is quizzing Banquo about his movements, trying to tease out key details. Although he sounds amicable enough, in fact he intends to murder him. Banquo senses the approach of a predator and tries to say as little as possible.

The projected text might simply consist of the two characters’ private thoughts, presented in cartoon fashion as bubbles. During the performance of the scene these thoughts would appear in the background as a counterpoint to the speeches of two live actors. It is fairly clear what well-chosen music might do to this scene – sinister music would also cast doubt on Macbeth’s apparent friendliness.

Or another example from Macbeth – Macbeth is thinking through the reasons why murdering Duncan would be wrong. ‘He’s here in double trust’. The screen behind the performer of these lines shows images of scorpions, spiders, sharks and vampire bats juxtaposed with single words from the text and other words – all working to undermine (counterpoint) the apparent sincerity of Macbeth’s words.

The activity involves groups of three students. A close reading of the text is followed by a brainstorm of ‘counterpoint’ possibilities; the writing and designing of the PowerPoint slides; the writing and adjustment of the performance scripts and the practice of the finished work to get timing and effects just right. Students ought to be encouraged to reflect on their work and adjust the text and effects accordingly.

Animation of text and images should be kept simple. Images can be sourced from ClipArt or tracked down using Google Images. As a teacher you need to have a basic grasp of stock animations in PowerPoint and how to sequence and time effects – so that the sequence tracks the script. Students will often be familiar with these features, but it helps to have tried it out yourself.

The same approach can be applied to performances of appropriate poems and readings of passages from short stories.