Performance and the Avant-Garde

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

12.5 points of first-year theatre studies.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject examines theories of the avant-garde and notions of avant-garde theatre culture. Students will review the history of the avant-garde in the 20th century with specific attention to early formative experiments, the contribution of Antonin Artaud and the explosion of avant-garde theatre in the 1960s and beyond. Consideration will also be given to the possible crisis in avant-garde theatre in the light of contemporary culture. The avant-gardes' need to be politically and culturally transgressive will be explored through early experiments in unmediated artistic expression and in the contemporary theorisation of cultural experiences as performance.

Written work totaling 4000 words comprising participation in the seminar program, logbook and oral seminar paper of 1500 words 30% (due one week after the class presentation), a research essay of 2500 words 40% (due at the end of semester), and a performance presentation/practical project that identifies and applies theoretical concerns 30% (due at the end of semester).

A subject reader will be available.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

• Manage time effectively in the completion of a self-directed research project;

• Demonstrate the ability and self-confidence to comprehend complex concepts;

• Demonstrate the written skills to present essay work on an approved topic to an advanced level.

This subject is available to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Creative Arts students and may be credited towards a theatre studies major in either course.