Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module students should be able to:
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respond analytically to a range of theatrical texts and modes of live performance
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articulate an awareness of relationships between texts, performances and cultural contexts
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demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and methodologies within theatre and performance studies
Content
Texts and examples of theatrical and performance practices from the Western theatrical tradition, with particular attention being paid to the following aspects and concepts: the actor; the director; the audience; performance.
A reading list is provided but other selected performances and readings will be announced at the beginning of the academic year.
Students should note that they will be expected to pay for the cost of their theatre tickets for the selected performances for this module (approx #15)
For information on due dates for submission of assessed work, please refer
to the departmental web pages at http://www.aber.ac.uk/tfts/duedates.shtml
Aims
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To examine some of the methods and problems of studying theatre and performance
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To examine certain key aspects and concepts of Western theatre and performance, in their historical, social and intellectual contexts
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To apply these concepts to a series of exemplary dramatic and performance texts
Reading Lists
Books
** Essential Reading
Chekhov, The Cherry Orchard
(Penguin Edition available in bookshop)
Racine, Phaedra
(Nick Hern edition)
Buchner, Woyzeck
(Nick Hern edition)
Jarry, Ubu Roi
(Nick Hern edition)
Wycherley, The Country Wife
(New Mermaids available in bookshop)
** Recommended Background
Stanislavski, An Actor Prepares
Stanislavski, Building a Character
Barton, J (1984) Playing Shakespeare
(Methuen)
Bate and Jackson, (2001) The Oxford Illustrated History of Shakespeare on Stage
(Oxford)
Walton, M (1998) The Greek Sense of Theatre: Tragedy Reviewed
(Methuen)
Styan, J L Modern Drama in Theory and Practice - Volumes 1,2, and 3
(Cambridge University Press.) This is an excellent trilogy to put twentieth century theatre history into clear perspective.
Brook, P (1990) The Empty Space
(Penguin)
Wallis and Shepherd, (1998) Studying Plays
(Arnold)
Brown, J Russell (ed) (1997) Oxford Illustrated History of the Theatre
(Oxford)
Styan, J L Restoration Comedy in Performance
(Cambridge)
** Essential Reading
Shaw, Heartbreak House
(Penguin)
The READER that accompanies this course will be available form the departmental office
Shakespeare, The Winter's Tale
(Arden edition available in bookshop)
A play to be selected from London Assurance and Other Victorian Comedies edited by Klaus Stierstarfer
(Oxford paperback available in bookshop)
Euripides, Medea
(Penguin edition available in bookshop) translated by Vellacott
You should also familiarise yourself with various texts we will be considering in a general discussion of "adapting" novels for the stage These are William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" and Charles Dickens' "Hard Times" and "Great Expectations"
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4