MODERN DRAMA AND ACTING IDENTITY
DRA2MOA
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject students are introduced to the modern drama of realism which dominated twentieth-century theatre. The plays of Ibsen and Chekhov and emotions of love and fear are considered and their interpretation in Stanislavski's styles of acting. This theatrical realism is compared with Brecht's plays and his ideas of acting in epic theatre. The subject is taught through a combination of theatre history, dramatic literature and some exercises in acting and staging. It investigates the social meanings of different approaches to emotions, realism, acting and staging identity.
School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Rob Conkie
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: Core subject at 2nd year for the Theatre and Drama major in the Bachelor of Arts degree at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Brecht on theatre | Prescribed | Brecht, B. 1964 | TRANS. J. WILLETT, EYRE METHUEN . |
| Readings | Five plays | Prescribed | Chekhov, A. 1998 | TRANS. HINGLEY, OUP . |
| Readings | Four major plays | Prescribed | Ibsen, H. 1981 | TRANS. MACFARLANE AND ARUP, OUP |
| Readings | Mother Courage and her children | Prescribed | Brecht, B. 1983 | METHUEN STUDENT EDITIONS . |
| Readings | The good person of Szechwan | Prescribed | Brecht, B. | METHUEN. |
| Readings | Modern drama in theory and practice, Vol. 1 | Preliminary | Styan, J.L 1983 | CAMBRIDGE UP . |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Present a scene from a modern or contemporary play in small groups
- Activities:
- Rehearsal, editing, staging choices
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
02. Write a critique of a theatre production
- Activities:
- Theatre critique
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
03. Write a research essay
- Activities:
- Primary and secondary textual research; essay writing
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
04. Write and speak about play texts - narratives, themes, characters
- Activities:
- Short, in-class tests and discussions
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Writing(Writing)
Melbourne, 2017, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Rob Conkie
Class requirements
SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classwork tests (400 words equivalent) | 10 | 02, 04 | |
| Essay (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 03, 04 | |
| Group presentation (equivalent 800 words) | 20 | 02 | |
| Theatre Critique (800 words) | 20 | 03, 04 |