Alternative Forms in Theatre

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
This module develops the critical issues and debates in theatre introduced earlier in the degree, in order to explore alternative and avant-garde practices of the twentieth and twenty first centuries. The module establishes the significance of modernist practices for the development of experimentation in theatre, influenced by the art and cultural contexts of the early twentieth century, including for example, Cubism, Surrealism and Expressionism. From here the module will consider key theories and concepts, texts and performances that mark twentieth century?s experimental theatre, including its concerns with questions of language, performativity, liveness and globalisation, framed by political and cultural debates. The module will examine the twenty first century?s focus on the concept of the postdramatic which challenges traditional notions of theatre space, location and form and opens up performance contexts to include installations, multimedia, site responsive performance and performance art.

Aims:
The module aims: to develop a critical and conceptual understanding of forms of theatre and performance practice which challenge mainstream conventions through experimental and oppositional work; to develop an understanding of the post-dramatic; to introduce theoretical perspectives which will enable students to find new and appropriate approaches to the analysis of experimental texts, performances and practices; to consider, conceptually and theoretically, the cultural and critical significance of innovation in theatre and performance.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
- work with forms of analysis appropriate for discussing and interpreting experimental theatre texts and performance, as well as texts which challenge the boundaries of theatre and performance (for example film, installations, performance art, video and computer art, digital and multimedia performance);
- develop critical arguments based on the history and analysis of alternative theatre and performance, and the synthesis of theory and practice;
- articulate an understanding of the ways in which historical and current critical and cultural theories impact upon theatre and performance practices and intersect with recent critical approaches to performance analysis;
- identify the specific concerns of the post-dramatic within twenty first century culture;
- relate recent innovation in theatre and performance practice to developments in other art forms (for example film, dance, music, live art, computer art, video art).
Additional outcomes:
The third year Independent Project or Dissertation often draws on knowledge and ideas introduced by this module, and its ideas often inform the Practical Project or Independent Project at Part 2. Furthermore, the module extends skills and competencies which are central to the degree. It is expected that the level of skills and competencies achieved be appropriate to the level of study: oral communication and debate in a group context; library usage to assist in self-directed, independent research; appropriate deployment of research using a wide range of printed and electronic resources: critical analysis and coherent argument; presentation of written work using IT; identifying and addressing problems which have a relationship to both film and theatre texts and contexts.

Outline content:
This module explores a range of practices and ideas which, consciously or unconsciously, are in opposition to the dominant conventions of theatre and performance. Taking the relationship between 'modernism' and twentieth/twenty first century theatre and performance as its broad context, and drawing attention to recent developments in critical theory, the module explores issues such as the post-dramatic, reflexivity and narrative deconstruction, autobiography and memory, cultural identity, performance and performativity. The programme varies from year to year to take account of current practice and critical debate but practitioners frequently studied include playwrights such as Gertrude Stein, Jean Genet, Marguerite Duras, Samuel Beckett and Peter Handke, and practitioners such as Forced Entertainment, Caryl Churchill, Robert Wilson, Pina Bausch and The Wooster Group. It takes account of live performances by contemporary companies and practitioners, current at the time of the module.

Global context:
The module explores theatre and performance in an international context. It refers to forms of practice and examples of work from across the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures will introduce the students to new theoretical concepts and critical approaches which will be tested out in seminars in the exploration of theatre texts. Workshops in theatre will complement seminars and enable the students to explore the visual elements of theatre texts. Screenings and visits to performances and galleries are an integral part of the module. There will a charge for approximately two theatre visits. Depending on availability these may be local, in London or another close town, in which case a travel cost will also apply.

Contact hours:
Lectures- 9
Seminars- 14
Tutorials- 1
Supervised time in studio/workshop- 25
External visits- 8
Guided independent study- 143
Total hours by term- 200
Total hours for module- 200

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written Assignment including essay- 100%

Other information on summative assessment:
Students may have the opportunity to substitute part of their written assessment with a practical or presentation element.

Formative assessment methods:

Length of examination:
N/A

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework. Where a practical or presentation element has been failed, an equivalent piece of written work will be set.