Summary: The Elizabethan defensive earth ramparts and bastions at Berwick-upon-Tweed, England are nearly finished by early 1587. Several people arrive at a party to celebrate. But are the new defenses really complete? What happens when the Italian engineer arrives? Find out in this entertaining skit by British playwright, Chris Green.

• Type: True information; made-up skit
• Grades: 7-12
• Cast: 5
• Performance Time: 10 minutes

WHERE IS THIS SKIT USED?

• History classes as reader’s theatre
• Drama or English classes performed
• Choral music with drama concerts
• Renaissance festivals

There are defensive walls throughout the world that include bastions (e.g., Berwick-upon-tweed, England; Fort Ste. Anne, Nova Scotia; Royal Navy Dockyard, Bermuda; Montjuic Castle, Spain). “The Ramparts” was written to bring awareness to this type of fortification.

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REVIEW

“I used this in a Renaissance-themed drama production. The interaction between characters is hilarious, especially with the Italian, Portinari. The topic of bastions was hugely interesting to students (and parents). I appreciate the background information Rebecca Locklear always provides for these skits.” Amazon customer