ACT326 Australian Theatre: Theatre and Performance in a Colonised Land (8)

In this subject, plays from contemporary Australian theatre are studied through the lens of colonisation - with particular focus on Australian Indigenous and other cultural contexts. Special attention is paid to periods of intensive activity in playwriting and the role of theatre in reflecting constructed Australian cultural standpoints. Students read and critique a range of texts selected for their engagement with Indigenous Australians, class, gender, sexual orientation, and the migrant experience.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2022.

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 Social Work and Arts

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is not available to students who have completed ACT226 as it shares similar content.

Subject Relationships

ACT226 Shares similar content

Incompatible Subjects

ACT226

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to investigate the development of Australian theatre in a colonised land: with special reference to the relationship between Australian First Nations theatre and performance and theatre created by settler Australians;
  • be able to apply, evaluate and compare Australian theatre forms, practices and issues - including approaches to decolonisation of Australian stages;
  • be able to apply the position of contemporary Australian theatre practice within Australian and global arts industries; and
  • be able to identify, acknowledge and analyse the construction of Australian cultural standpoints with respect to: Indigenous Australian perspectives, experiences of migrants and people of colour, class difference, sexual orientation and gender.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Australian settler playwrights and theatre since 1788
  • Australian theatre in focus 1930 - present
  • First Nations performance in Australia before colonisation
  • First Nations performance since colonisation
  • First Nations theatre in focus 1960s to present
  • Protocols and policies affecting cultural, LGBTQIA+ and abilities diverse storytelling on Australian stages
  • Critical whiteness and performance theory informing study of Australian theatre and performance in a colonised land

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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