THM208 Devised Performance (16)
CSU Discipline Area: Communication (COMUN)
Duration: Two sessions
Abstract:
A survey of carnivalesque literature and imagery is conducted to define differences and similarities between instances of antique rustic theatre and the creation of contemporary celebratory cultural performance events. Theatre-makers develop their parading and circus skills while studying Australian and international trends in contemporary circus, new vaudeville and special event performance. Strategies for researching and developing theme-specific performance initiatives are applied as theatricalised cultural interventions amongst popular audiences in local public settings. All devise and rehearse multiple performances that are researched and designed for site-specific popular audiences. Each participant assumes responsibility for all aspects of technical production for each performance.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Bathurst | Session 2 |
| Internal | Bathurst |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THM208
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Assumed Knowledge:
Enrolment restrictions:
Bachelor of Arts (Communication - Theatre/Media)
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to articulate a sophisticated critical understanding of popular theatre aesthetics and the history of carnivalesque forms of Western theatre practice.
- be able to create actor-devised forms of popular theatre that feature imaginative blends of character-based physical comedy, music, parading and circus.
- be able to demonstrate actor-devised strategies for developing physical characterisations and the imaginative manipulation of the theatrical conventions of role and frame.
- be able to devise and perform original mumming-style entertainments by drawing dramatic themes and characters from the interests and worldview(s) of site-specific audiences.
- to be able to demonstrate effective communication and devising skills within an ensemble production.
- to be able to demonstrate skills for the rehearsal room that use improvisation to generate new strategies for establishing and developing a character?s relationship with the audience.
- demonstrate growing skills competencies in specialist production areas of theatre or video.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- An examination of post 1960 popular theatre practice; its relation to theories on the uses of theatre for developing critical awareness and social comment. - The means and ways of developing competence in role-taking within improvisatory and rehearsed theatre events performed amongst popular audiences in public settings. - How popular theatre practices can enable reflexive learning: popular theatre as a didactic strategy for achieving diverse social communication aims. - Through games, improvisations, theoretical research and rehearsed auto cour presentations, the theatrical forms and contemporary application of new vaudeville and mumming will be analysed and developed for public performance. - Emphasis is placed on developing the pre-professional actor's levels of play, trust and commitment in their work. - Continued development of participants' capacity to plan for the use and operation of the different technologies of the medium, in varied production settings. - students are involved in a staff directed performance event during the Spring Session. - all participate in theatre or video production projects as producers, writers, technical directors, stage or site managers, scenic designers, costume, lighting, and sound, designers, musicians, choreographers, actors or administrators. - all students are required to research the theatrical conventions, dramatic literature, the period and style of the production.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.