ACT226 Australian Theatre (8)

Selected plays from contemporary Australian theatre are studied with particular focus on cultural contexts. Special attention is paid to periods of intensive activity in playwriting and the role of theatre in reflecting distinctive 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.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ACT226. 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 subject ACT318 as it shares similar content

Assumed Knowledge

It is assumed that students will have some knowledge of theatrical and drama conventions. 

Subject Relationships

ACT318 This subject replaces ACT318

Incompatible Subjects

ACT318

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to explain and evaluate a wide variety of Australian theatre forms;
  • be able to investigate recent Australian theatre history and its place in contemporary Australian cultural and creative industries; and
  • be able to investigate and compare distinctive Australian cultural standpoints with respect to Indigenous Australians, migrant experience, class, sexual orientation, and gender.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Australian theatre history and contemporary development
  • The Australian theatre canon - past, present and emerging (including critical study of selected Australian plays)
  • Contemporary and Innovative Australian Theatre practice
  • Australian cultural alternative viewpoints including with regard to: the aged; Indigenous Australian experiences; LGBTI; migrant experience; class; and gender
  • Indigenous theatre and representation of First Nations Australians in Australian theatre
  • Non-Anglo Celtic theatre forms in Australia
  • A critical understanding of cultural, socio-economic, and access diversity in Australian theatre
  • The structure of the Australian theatre industry (theatre companies, funding bodies, training options, access and government policy)

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of ACT226 in Session 1 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Class preparation and engagement
30
2
Issues and text seminar
40
3
Australian stages essay or scene analysis
30

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

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