Introduction to the London Stage

University of Roehampton

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Introduction to the London Stage

  • Host University

    University of Roehampton

  • Location

    London, England

  • Area of Study

    European Studies, Theater, Visual Arts

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Lower

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • UK Credits

    20
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    4 - 5
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    6 - 7.5
  • Overview

    Module Rationale
    This course is designed to introduce you to the ways in which London shapes and is shaped by a range of theatre and performance. During the course we will attend a curated programme of performances of relevant shows and exhibitions, visit key venues, read and view a range of critical texts as well as plays and performances, and discuss together key ideas in theatre and performance analysis and spectatorship. The course will be divided around themes regarding relevant 20th and 21st century performance with a focus on contemporary work and its social and political contexts. You will be encouraged to hone your skills in speaking and writing about performances, ideas, and contexts - and to develop your unique critical voice.

    This course includes attending and discussing as a group theatre and performance trips which are curated according to what is on in London each year.

    Learning Outcomes
    Students who successfully complete this course will have:

    A working understanding of a range of contemporary performance work and a critical approach to analysing and discussing performance, especially in relation to how different methods and key London contexts shape productions.

    An understanding of some of the modes through which performances relate to contemporary moments, with a focus on how theatre and performance production is situated socially and politically.

    Enhanced skills in critically discussing, presenting and writing about arts events, and reflecting on spectatorship.

    Assessment

    50% essay, 1,500 words (199 module code) or 2,000 words (299 module code) 50% in-class presentation

    Course Readings (indicative)
    Paul Allain and Jen Harvie (2014) ‘Audience and spectator’ in Routledge companion to theatre and performance

    Patrice Pavis (1985) ‘Theatre Analysis: Some Questions and a Questionnaire’, in New Theatre Quarterly, 1(2)

    Travis Alabanza (2018) BURGERZ

    Caryl Churchill (1982) Top Girls

    Mary F. Brewer, Lynette Goddard, Deirdre Osborne, eds. (2014) Modern and Contemporary Black British Drama

    Susan Bennett (2012) Theatre & Museums

    Dominic Johnson (2015) The Art of Living: An Oral History of Performance Art

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or pre-requisites.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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