| CODE | THS5052 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Performance Practices in the C21 | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 10 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Theatre Studies | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | In keeping with the unifying thread outlined in the general description of the MA, this unit focuses on the nature and breadth of contemporary performance practices, with special emphasis on C21-characteristics and developments. Accordingly, it examines the incorporation of innovative technology, processes, and other elements as they pertain not only to the aesthetics, medium, and location of performance, but also to compositional strategies, including the technical preparation (training) of performers/technicians/participants. The unit will consider cutting-edge work as well as the appropriation of elements of the same in mainstream performance. Reference to historical processes and aspects which were innovative in their time will also be made. Study-unit Aims: The study-unit aims to: (a) introduce students to a range of contemporary theatre and performance practices; (b) analyse the technical, aesthetic, theoretical, and ideological considerations that characterise these practices; (c) appraise the socio-political implications and wider applications (extant or potential) of these practices. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: (a) appraise the various aesthetic, political, social, and intellectual practices that constitute a varied range of contemporary (established, emergent, and cutting-edge) theatre and performance; (b) locate the historical emergence of a range of twenty-first-century manifestations of performance practices; (c) identify the inherent interdisciplinary and trans-national location and context of contemporary theatre art and performance practice; (d) evaluate current research areas, aspects, and topics, in Theatre & Performance Studies at the forefront of the discipline. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: (a) trace, assess, and synthesise information and data from a range of sources, both primary and secondary, printed, electronic, and other – and in evaluating these critically and appropriately; (b) interact, negotiate, and collaborate with others on project-based tasks; (c) engage confidently and competently in advanced academic research at the forefront of a discipline; (d) work and learn independently and autonomously, as well as continuous self-reflection, in order to be able to expand one’s skills and knowledge base. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts S. Benford and G. Giannachi, Performing Mixed Reality (London: MIT Press, 2011) J. Kelleher and N. Ridout eds, Contemporary Theatres in Europe: A Critical Companion (London: Routledge, 2006) J. Harvie, A. Lavender, Making Contemporary Theatre: International Rehearsal Processes (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2010) H-T. Lehmann, Postdramatic Theatre (London: Routledge 2006) P. Patrice, Contemporary Mise en Scène: Staging Theatre Today (London: Routledge 2012) D. Rebellato, Theatre & Globalization (Houndmills: Palgrave, 2009) Supplementary Readings P. Auslander, Presence and Resistance: Postmodernism and Cultural Politics in Contemporary American Performance (Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1994) E. Fischer-Lichte, The Transformative Power of Performance: A New Aesthetics (London: Routledge, 2008) M. Delgado and D. Rebellato eds, Contemporary European Theatre Directors (London: Routledge, 2010) J. McKenzie, H. Roms, C. Wee eds, Contesting Performance: Global Sites of Research (Houndmills: Palgrave, 2009) S. Murray and J. Keefe eds, Physical Theatres: A Critical Introduction (London: Routledge 2007) R. Schechner, Performance Theory. New ed. (London: Routledge Classics, 2003) Note Other readings will be suggested during the course of the study-unit. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Seminar & Independent Study | |||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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