Units
Postdramatic Theatre
Unit code: KTB302
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
The elements of drama and the conventions of various periods have provided the pivot around which genres and forms of theatre can be studied. However, in recent decades a fresh species of drama has emerged called postdramatic theatre that challenges many of the traditional terms we use to define and make theatre.
This unit examines postdramatic theatre that was heralded by the emergence of postmodernism. The unit will investigate the challenges postdramatic theatre makes to traditional notions of unitary art form, character, audience, site, time and narrative. The unit will investigate the postmodern aesthetics inherent in interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and inter-media practices.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The elements of drama and the conventions of various periods have provided the pivot around which genres and forms of theatre can be studied. However, in recent decades a fresh species of drama has emerged called postdramatic theatre that challenges many of the traditional terms we use to define and make theatre.
This unit examines postdramatic theatre that was heralded by the emergence of postmodernism. The unit will investigate the challenges postdramatic theatre makes to traditional notions of unitary art form, character, audience, site, time and narrative. The unit will investigate the postmodern aesthetics inherent in intermedial and liminal theatre practices.
Aims
This unit aims to provide you with the theoretical perspectives and practical applications ascribed to the field postdramatic theatre. Understanding the specific nature of postdramatic theatre will enable you to expand your knowledge of the theatre/performance event that can be applied to your own practice and the theatre practice of others.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Synthesise theory related to new and emerging theatre and performance genres
2. assemble knowledge and understanding related to postdramatic theatre through the effective use of written communication skills
3. Evaluate critically postdramatic theatre traits and meaning making for audiences in live performance.
These specific unit objectives support the following general CI Graduate Capabilities:
knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline or professional area:
1.1 Knowledge and understanding of the history and development of performance
1.2 Awareness of global, national and local issues and contexts
critical, creative and analytical thinking, and effective problem-solving:
2.1 The ability to investigate, research, assimilate, critically analyse, synthesise and utilise information and resources.
effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes:
3.3 Searching and critically evaluating information from a variety of sources using effective strategies and appropriate technologies
3.4 The ability to articulate concepts and creative ideas
social and ethical responsibility and an understanding of indigenous and international perspectives:
5.2 An understanding of the critical and complex role that performance plays in defining society and culture.
the capacity for life-long learning:
6.2 The capacity to develop and maintain a substantial body of knowledge about the world pertinent to performance
Content
This unit addresses content such as: the hallmarks of postdramatic theatre, the activating practices of postdramatic theatre such as intermediality and liminality and the exploration and use of differing critical reviewing frameworks appropriate to postdramatic theatre practice and they way in which audiences are positioned and their contribution to the postdramatic theatre events.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Teaching and learning strategies for this unit will combine lectures, tutorials and discussions with analysis of examples of postdramatic theatre viewed on dvd/video.
On one occasion during the semester you will view a performance. If the performance schedule allows, the productions will be viewed in place of a tutorial. Students will be required to pay for their own tickets to each performance. This performance will be critiqued and discussed within the lecture and tutorial and will be used as the focus for one assessment item.
Assessment
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.
Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
The unit coordinator and tutors will be available throughout the semester to provide advice and feedback on written assessment items. Weight: 0%
Please note: Drama uses QUT Harvard as the standard referencing system. QUT Harvard must be used for written assignments. The QUT Harvard can be accessed through QUT Library website under Cite/Write.
Assessment name:
Critique (1000 words)
Description:
(Summative) Written performance analysis in response to viewing pre-determined live performance.
Relates to objectives:
1,2,3
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid Semester
Assessment name:
Project (2000 words)
Description:
(Summative) Written, analysis of contemporary performance company or practitioner from a pre-detemined list with supporting performance proposal based upon the work of the selected company or practitioner.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Required Text
Required unit readings for each week will be made available on CMD accessable through the KTB302 Blackboard site.
References
Bay?Cheng, S. (2010) Mapping intermediality in performance [electronic resource]. Amsterdam : Amsterdam University Press.
Campbell, P. (Ed) (1996) Analysing Performance. Mancester: Manchester University Press.
Carlson, M. (1996) Performance: A Critical Introduction. London: Routledge.
Counsell C. & Wolf L. (Eds.) (2001) Performance Analysis. London: Routledge.
Giannachi, G. (2004) Virtual Theatres: an introductionRoutledge.
Goldberg, RL. (1988) Performance Art: From Futurism to the Present. London: Thames & Hudson.
Goodman L. & de Gay J. (Eds.) (2000) The Routledge Reader in Politics and Performance. London: Routledge.
Harvie, J. & Lavender, A. (2010) Making Contemporary Tehatre international rehearsal processes. Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Huxley M. & Witts N. (Eds.) (2002) (2nd Ed) The Twentieth Century Performance Reader London: Routledge.
Kaye, N. (1994) New Directions in Theatre: Postmodernism and Performance London: Macmillan.
Kershaw, B. (1992) The Politics of Performance: Radical Theatre as Cultural Intervention. London: Routledge.
Lehmann, H-T. (2006) Postdramatic Theatre.(Translated and with an introduction by Karen Jurs-Munby). London ; New York : Routledge.
Parker, A. & Sedgwick, E. K. (Ed) (1995) Performativity and Performance. London: Routledge.
Read, A. (1993) Theatre and Everyday Life. London: Routledge.
Sandford, M.(Ed) (1995) Happenings and Other Acts. London: Routledge.
Sauter, W. (2000) The Theatrical Event:Dynamics of Performance and PerceptionIowa City: University of Iowa Press.
Schechner, R. (2002) performance Studies: An Introduction London: Routledge.
Shusterman, R. (2000)Performing Live: Aesthetic Alternatives for the Ends of Art. Ithaca & London: Cornell University Press.
Turner, V. (1987) The Anthropology of Performance. New York: PAJ Publications.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. Some activities and exercises may include physically or emotionally strenuous activities. Students aware of personal physical or emotional vulnerabilities should inform their tutor if they are feeling unsafe or at risk in any way.
Every effort is made by Drama staff at QUT to ensure that you work in a safe environment. You are expected to follow all safety rules, procedures and directions, and to ensure that you do not put at risk the safety of others, or yourself, or of the highest artistic fulfilment of the project in any way.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 17-Oct-2012
