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ACT126 Modern Theatre Post World War II (8)

Abstract

Playscripts are studied as texts for performance. An analysis of major theatrical conventions and the dramatic literature of the second half of the twentieth century  is made through the study of selected plays, influential theorists and periods of innovation. Special study will be made of the way theatre changed In the aftermath of the Second World War and how this both reflected and is reflected in the social and cultural conventions of the time. Improvisation and scene study provide a focus for practical studio work as participants learn about the major methodological influences of the period, with particular emphasis upon the European innovations developed by Grotowski, Copeau and LeCoq.  Special attention is paid to the analysis of dramatic structure, and the way in which that structure works to heighten the dramatic tension associated with the moral dilemmas which the playwright poses through the action of the play.

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Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: ACT126
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Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Communication and Creative Industries

Enrolment restrictions

Bachelor of Communication  (Theatre/Media) (Core)
Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) (Restricted Elective)
Bachelor of Communication  (Public Relations) (Restricted Elective) Bachelor of Media Communication (elective) Bachelor of Communication (Commercial Radio) (Restricted Elective) Bachelor of Sport Science/Bachelor of Communiction (Journalism) (Restricted Elective) Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary Drama) (Elective)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
– be able to read and analyse plays for performance. – be able to define and analyse the actor's task with specific reference to major methodological innovations of the second half of the Twentieth Century. – be able to plan dramaturgical strategies for researching characters and historical periods. – be able to interrogate the dramatic structures, literature and theatre conventions of the period as a springboard to originating and planning original creative work. – be able to cooperatively devise a creative performance as a member of a team. be able to articulate a developd understanding of the innovations made by Copeau and LeCoq in developing the art of the actor through mask and movement theatre.   – be able to critically  evaluate the performative implications of theatre texts from a production-based point of view. - be able to identify and discuss the philosophical and moral questions posed by the major playwrights and theatrical theorists of the second half of the Twentieth Century.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
- Exercises in basic stagecraft, improvisation, movement, speech, mime and mask, growth games, story-telling and drama text analysis. - Concentration, relaxation, sensory awareness, imagination, control of physical space, emotional awareness and memory. - The history of the theatre ofthe later modern period , representative plays and the variety of current theatre forms. - Close reading may consider the issues of characterisation, sub-textual studies and physical theatre performance. - Engage as a team in preparing an approach to dramaturgical research that demonstrates its relevance to contemporary Australian issues. - Scenario, scripted and improvisational work is rehearsed for studio research performances.

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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.