The Theatre Experience

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours per semester

None

None

None

None

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 is for students across the university interested in understanding and enjoying theatre, an ancient art form that enjoys continuing popularity in many modern societies, including Australia. Drawing on a range of local and international examples from mainstream and experimental performance styles, we examine what is distinctive about the theatre experience, and what it can tell us about the place and times we live in. Students new to theatre should gain some insight into why it remains such a vital art form, as well as a firm grounding in theatre appreciation that will serve them well long after the subject is over. More experienced theatre-goers will find the subject’s approach to the fundamentals of the form a refreshing and provocative basis for deeper understanding and further study. In order to achieve these goals, the subject is divided into three parts. Part One identifies theatre’s unique qualities. Part Two explores how to analyse them. Part Three considers theatricality in mass culture. Lectures and tutorial discussions will draw on plays, critical writings and performance recordings, while also making the most of Melbourne’s own vibrant theatre scene.

On completion of the subject students should have:

• Knowledge of a range of theatre styles, and their defining features.
• Understanding and application of theatre terminology, as it relates to the component parts of the theatre building, and of plays and other theatrical events.
• Familiarity with key critical terms in Theatre Studies, and the ability to use them appropriately in order to analyse and assess theatrical performances.
• The ability to compare and contrast different kinds of performances, and to support arguments with reference to relevant secondary sources, and selected critical theories.
• Confidence in discussing and debating the inherently diverse features of creative activities, and the inherently ambiguous qualities of artistic events.
• Experience participating in a small group project as a means of engaging in collaborative learning about theatre.

A mid-semester essay of 1000 words 25% (due mid-semester), A performance analysis of 2000 words 50% (due in the examination period), and a group project presentation (15 mins) and 1000 word group write-up 25% (groups will present in tutorials over the course of the semester).

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.

A subject reader will be available. The performance analysis will be based on a live performance viewed locally in the course of the subject.

Recommended:

• Balme, Christopher B. The Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Studies (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008).
• Brook, Peter. The Empty Stage (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1990).
• Leach, Robert. Theatre Studies: the Basics (Abingdon and New York: Routledge, 2008).

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

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.