ACT225 Seeking Order in Chaos: Post-atomic Theatre (8)

This subject engages students in an analysis of major theatrical conventions and the dramatic literature of the second half of the Twentieth Century. This is achieved through the study of selected plays, influential theorists and major innovations of the period. Special study will be made of the way theatre changed in the aftermath of the Second World War and how this is reflected in the social and cultural conventions of the time. 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.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2019.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Communication and Creative Industries

Incompatible Subjects

ACT126

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • 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 works
  • 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
  • be able to work collaboratively in a workshop environment
  • be able to work collaboratively in a an authentic performance environment

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • History of the theatre of the later modern period: representative plays and various theatre forms of the period
  • Basic stagecraft: improvisation, movement, speech, mime and mask, growth games, story-telling and drama text analysis
  • Performance training: concentration, relaxation, sensory awareness, imagination, control of physical space, emotional awareness and memory
  • Dramaturgy: teamwork in preparing an approach to dramaturgical research that demonstrates its relevance to contemporary Australian issues
  • Studio inquiry: scenario, scripted and improvisational work, rehearsal for a studio research performance

Contact

For further information about courses and subjects outlined in the CSU handbook please contact:

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Future students

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2019. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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