Shakespeare in Performance

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Total expected time commitment is 170 hours across the semester, including class time.

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THTR20021 Shakespeare in Performance

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 investigates the adaptation of Shakespeare’s drama from page to stage and beyond. It will introduce Shakespeare in historical and contemporary eras, in western and non-western sites of criticism and performance, including avant-garde and postmodern contexts for Shakespeare and Shakespearean adaptation in film and television. The subject will examine Shakespeare’s canon and key literary perspectives, including discussion of Shakespeare’s plays in relation to issues of cultural politics and power.

On completion of the subject students should have:

• the ability to demonstrate a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of Shakespeare's work as literature and in performance;
• gained a broad understanding of the importance of Shakespeare in historical, modern and contemporary contexts;
• developed critical perspectives that enable them to critique intercultural contexts for Shakespeare and examine Shakespeare's plays in relation to society and cultural politics;
• demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the concepts and principles of adaptation and performance studies approaches to understanding Shakespeare's plays in experimental theatre and in film and television;
• the ability to communicate effectively in a variety of oral and written formats, including creative interpretations of Shakespeare's work.

A 1000 word essay 30% (due mid-semester), one in-class small group exercise on performing Shakespeare, presented in tutorials and written-up equivalent to 1000 words 20% (during the semester), a 2000 essay 50% (due in the examination period).

This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% 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.

Oxford Shakespeare editions (preferred) of the following plays:

• The Taming of the Shrew
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• Titus Andronicus
• Hamlet
• Macbeth
• The Tempest

A Subject Reader will be available with additional texts, including Heiner Müller, Hamletmachine.

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 be able to:

• communicate knowledge in oral, written and creative forms;
• manage their time through productive use of time and responding to deadlines;
• think and work creatively and apply imagination in responding to tasks;
• think critically and analyse through recommended reading, performance analysis and discussion.