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USING A DRAMATIC PERSONA FOR A CLASSROOM LIFE REVIEW

This article describes how I use dramatic performances in two gerontology courses. One course is the basic requirement for the colleges certificate program, whereas the other satisfies a general education requirement and also serves as a certificate elective. In the general education course, I perform as Raoul from The Phantom of the Opera. The other character I assume is Marius from Les Miserables. Raoul is portrayed as an old man in a wheelchair who is suffering from one of the Parkinson's diseases. Marius is an arthritic old man. Both share life reviews of their experiences. Raoul is based on the Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals characterization, whereas Marius is drawn primarily from Victor Hugos novel. Both performances incorporate music to help achieve an affective learning environment. The article describes the characters and how they are portrayed. It explains why this methodology is used, its purposes, and the outcomes achieved. Objectives for this technique include opening students minds to self-discovery, individualizing aging through unique and personal life review, providing an affective learning experience, and illustrating an individuals struggle for ego integrity. In addition, these performances attempt to incorporate an understanding of the social forces within one's life, illustrate the continuity of the life course, and provide a balanced view of aging while addressing issues of critical thinking and requiring students to use listening skills.