Friday, December 16, 1 PM
For next week’s Watch & Wonder Highlight, we’re thrilled to feature the film All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914. After watching, dive deeper with resources on how primary source documents can be adapted into engaging, thought-provoking plays on PBS LearningMedia.
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 takes place on the Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, peace. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.
PBS LearningMedia
From Source to Stage: Thinking about Adaptation | All Is Calm
Grades 9-12
How do letters, songs, and quotes from the past turn into a modern play? What choices do artists make to adapt primary source documents for the stage? In these videos from All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, students will see how primary source documents from World War I come to life in this docudrama, as well as get a glimpse behind the scenes to learn about the adaptation process. Students will also consider other theatrical adaptations of history (like the musical Hamilton), think about the different ways history can be dramatized, and consider why an artist might decide to put history on stage.
In school or at home, take advantage of the Watch & Wonder broadcast schedule. Running each weekday from 1-3 PM, Watch & Wonder is great for classroom viewing, distance instruction, and families looking to spend some extra, quality time together. Featured programs are ideal for kids in grades 6-12, encouraging creativity with the arts, kick starting innovation through STEM, and expanding their horizons with stories from across the globe!
Each week, we’ll highlight a show from our Watch & Wonder block, and share a PBS LearningMedia resource — suitable for middle and high school students. Follow along on the Watch & Wonder Schedule page, or subscribe to our newsletter!