Overview

This topic is concerned with the emergence of the director in modern theatre and the concomitant development of theatrical modernism. This includes a study of some of the major playwrights and practitioners in Europe and beyond whose work codified and challenged realism and naturalism as dominant theatrical styles from the … For more content click the Read More button below.

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Tuition pattern

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Aims

This topic aims to:

  • Introduce a range of historically and stylistically significant 19th and 20th century landmark performances and demonstrate their implications for subsequent theatrical development
  • Introduce the development of the director's role through a range of key playwrights and practitioners from Europe and beyond from the 1880s to the 1950s
  • Provide students with the opportunity to develop an historical perspective by recognising, articulating and evaluating these theories and performances in the light of current theatre practice through contemporary adaptations
  • Develop students' ability to think, speak and write about performance in a critically engaged, aesthetically informed and ethically responsive manner.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Analyse the set theatrical texts, their landmark presentations and significance in relation to the emerging concept of the director
2.
Apply appropriate aesthetic criteria and historical perspective in analysing performances and the cultural contexts from which they have come
3.
Question the historical distinction between realism and naturalism, and appraise its implications for contemporary theatrical practice
4.
Investigate directing as an interrogative practice through contributing to group discussion and responding constructively
5.
Research, formulate and present performance reviews and essays in a clear, coherent and confident manner

Assessments

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Requisites information

Anti-requisites: