Theatre After the Sixties

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

None

This subject is a study of the innovations in theatre and performance since the 1960s when political activism, cultural radicalism and artistic experimentation created a climate of change in the West. This change was accompanied in theatre by the 'performative turn' which we examine through a range of artists, plays, companies and perfromances including Peter Brook, The Living Theatre and Butoh; postmodern and postdramatic works such as Tony Kushner's Angels in America, and the opera Einstein on the Beach and Forced Entertainment's Bloody Mess. Students will read key theoretical and dramatic works, view DVDs of performance and undertake research and writing on the relation between an historical era and theatrical innovation.

Students who complete this subject will:

• understand the processes and techniques associated with research in the creative arts and demonstrate an appreciation of cultures and societies outside of Australia;
• work successfully with peers;
• access a broad range of resource material, including traditional text and electronic media;
• manage time effectively in the completion of a self-directed research project;
• have the ability and self-confidence to comprehend complex concepts;
• have the written skills to present essay work on an approved topic to an advanced level.

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising participation in the seminar program, logbook and oral seminar paper of 1500 words 40% (due one week after the class presentation), a research essay of 2500 words 60% (due at the end of semester). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available.

• Philip Austlander, From Acting to Performance, Routledge
• Peter Brook, The Empty Space, Penguin
• Marvin Carlson, Performance: A Critical Introduction, Routledge

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• demonstrate sound and independent critical and ethical thinking in their choice of materials and processes;

• be able to present written and oral communication to a professional standard regarding their treatment and material choices;

• be able to engage in critical thinking and analysis by communicating arguments and ideas effectively;

• develop understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts.

This subject is available to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Creative Arts students and may be credited towards a theatre studies or English major or minor in either course. Students who have completed 106-206/673-337 Live Art are not eligible to enrol in this subject.