Credit Points 10

Description This subject will familiarise students with key developments in the theory and practice of twentieth and twenty-first century theatre drama. The course explores the main trends of theatrical modernism and the pioneering innovations developed by the makers of modern theatre in response to the political turmoil and social fragmentation endemic to modernity. The ongoing influence of theatrical modernism in Global theatre, post-colonial theatre, and post-dramatic theatre will be a core course theme. The relation between dramatic theory and dramatic practice will be investigated via memorable performances of key plays by notable theatre ensembles.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Student Contribution Band

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Restrictions

Successful completion of 40 credit points 

Learning Outcomes

1. Articulate the relations between dramatic theory and dramatic practice in twentieth and twenty-first century theatre drama.  
2. Analyse the historical genesis and ongoing influence of the modernist schools of theatre, from realist and naturalist to symbolist, Epic, Absurdist, Global, post-colonial, political, and post-dramatic theatres.    
3. Identify and critique the major forms, styles, and devices of modern theatre practice; e.g. the conversation play, the alienation effect, fragmented narrative, embodied performance, physicality and movement, etc.  
4. Discuss theatre as a public form of literature that responds to the political and social turmoil of the contemporary moment.  
5. Discuss the deeper historical causes behind the artistic impulse to innovate and experiment with inherited theatrical forms.  
6. Appreciate the contribution of Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous ontology to theatrical expressions of embodiment on the contemporary stage.  

Subject Content

Students will learn to distinguish the key forms of theatre, including:

• comedy, tragedy, drama, tragicomedy
• the one-act play
• the conversation play
• epic theatre
• documentary theatre
• theatre of cruelty
• political theatre
• intercultural theatre 
• improv theatre, street theatre
• post-dramatic theatre