IB Literature and Performance: A Complete Guide for Students and Parents

Continuing our A-Level and IB Subject Guide Series, this week we take an in-depth look at IB Literature and Performance – a unique and creative Standard Level (SL) subject that blends the analytical study of literature with the practical skills of theatre. It’s perfect for students who want to explore how stories can be transformed from page to stage and who enjoy combining academic analysis with performance-based work.

What is IB Literature and Performance?

IB Literature and Performance is an interdisciplinary course offered only at Standard Level. It brings together the literary depth of IB Language A: Literature with the creativity and expressive elements of theatre. Students don’t just read and analyse texts — they adapt, interpret, and perform them, developing both intellectual and practical skills.

This makes it particularly appealing for students who:

• Love drama and performance but still want strong academic content.
• Enjoy creative interpretation and experimentation.
• Thrive in collaborative, hands-on projects.

Course Structure

The course is built around three key areas:

✅ Close Reading of Literature – Analysing plays, novels, poetry, and other forms of writing.
✅ Transforming Text into Performance – Adapting literary works for the stage, considering voice, movement, space, and design.
✅ Practical Performance Skills – Acting, directing, staging, and presenting adapted works.

Students typically study two or more literary genres (e.g., prose, drama, poetry) and a mix of styles and periods.

Likely & Past Texts Studied

Because the course combines literature and drama, chosen texts often offer rich thematic depth and strong performative potential.
Common choices include:

• A Streetcar Named Desire – Tennessee Williams
• The Tempest – William Shakespeare
• The Metamorphosis – Franz Kafka
• Blood Wedding – Federico García Lorca
• The Crucible – Arthur Miller
• Poetry selections by Sylvia Plath, Pablo Neruda, or Carol Ann Duffy

Schools often select texts that work well both for literary analysis and stage adaptation.

How is IB Literature and Performance Assessed?

Assessment is a balance of written analysis and performance-based projects.

External Assessment – 70% of Final Grade

📌 Written Examination (50%)

• A comparative essay on studied works and an analysis of unseen texts.
• Tests literary analysis skills and understanding of adaptation theory.

📌 Written Coursework (20%)

• A written assignment that includes analysis of a literary text and reflection on how it could be adapted for the stage.

Internal Assessment – 30% of Final Grade

The Performance IA involves:

• Selecting a scene or extract from a literary work.
• Transforming it into a short performance piece (3–5 minutes).
• Accompanying it with a written rationale explaining interpretative choices.

Practical Tips & Insights for Parents and Students

1. Time Commitment – While not as reading-heavy as Literature HL, the course requires rehearsal time, practical workshops, and creative collaboration. Parents should expect some evenings or weekends devoted to group rehearsals.

2. Confidence Building – Even shy students often grow in confidence through this course. Performance work is done in a supportive environment, and skills in public speaking, self-presentation, and teamwork improve rapidly.

3. Resources at Home – Having access to plays, scripts, and possibly a small performance space at home can help. Watching live theatre (in person or recorded) gives students valuable inspiration.

4. University Relevance – Though it’s only offered at SL, Literature and Performance is respected for its blend of analytical and creative skills. It’s valued for degrees in English, Theatre Studies, Creative Writing, Communications, Media, and even Law (due to the persuasive speaking element).

5. Coursework Support – Students sometimes struggle with linking their written rationale to their creative performance choices. Parents can encourage reflection by asking questions like: “Why did you choose that staging?” or “How does that costume or tone reflect the text’s themes?”

6. Balancing with Other IB Subjects – This is a great complementary subject for students taking more quantitative or science-heavy courses, as it develops a completely different skill set.

The Hardest Parts of IB Literature and Performance

❌ Balancing Written and Practical Work – Students need to be equally committed to essay writing and rehearsals.
❌ Adapting a Text – It’s not always easy to condense or reinterpret a complex piece of literature while keeping its meaning intact.
❌ Performance Anxiety – For some, acting in front of peers can be daunting at first.
❌ Tight Deadlines – Practical pieces often need multiple rehearsals while written tasks pile up from other subjects.

HRB Education: Helping You Succeed in IB Literature and Performance

At HRB Education, we understand that this course demands a rare mix of analytical insight and creative expression. Our expert tutors can help students to:
✅ Analyse literary works in depth for the written exam.
✅ Develop strong, original adaptation ideas.
✅ Refine performance pieces with professional acting and directing tips.
✅ Link creative choices to literary analysis in the IA rationale.
✅ Build confidence for public speaking and live performance.

📢 Want to bring your IB Literature and Performance work to life? Contact HRB Education today and let us help you excel — both on paper and on stage!

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