Module Identifier DR30310  
Module Title THEATRE IN SOCIETY  
Academic Year 2000/2001  
Co-ordinator Dr David Rabey  
Semester Semester 1  
Pre-Requisite DR10120 , DR10220  
Course delivery Lecture   1 x 1.5 hours lecture/seminar per week  
Assessment Exam   2 Hours   60%  
  Essay   1 x 2,500 word essay   40%  

Aims
The aims of the module are:

- To examine the various ways in which theatre operates in relation to society.
- To describe theatre as a social construct.
- To present and to debate the relevance of several different descriptions of society as seen by several different practitioners and critics.

Learning Outcomes:

Typically, upon completion of this module, students should be able:

- To demonstrate an intelligent awareness of the different ways in which theatre incarnates social debate.
- To show an awareness of the political implications of analytical positions in relation to theatre.
- To co-operate as part of a group in presenting an argument in the analysis of course material.

Content:

Texts by theatre practitioners (theorists and critics) outlining several different approaches to the relationship between theatre and society.

Reading Lists
Books
** Recommended Text
McGrath, John. (1990) The Bone Won't Break. Methuen
** Essential Reading
Boal, A. (1994) The Rainbow of Desire. Routledge
Barker, H. (1993) Arguments for a Theatre. Manchester University Press
Aston, Elaine. (1994) An Introduction to Feminism and Theatre. Routledge
Lucas, I. (1994) Impertinent Decorum. Cassell
Hall, Peter. (1999) The Necessary Theatre. Macmillan
Bharucha, Rustom. (1994) Theatre and the World. Routledge
Barba, E. (1995) The Paper Canoe. Routledge
Schneider, Rebecca. (1997) The Explicit Body in Performance. Routledge
** Recommended Text
Bennett, Susan. (1990) Theatre Audiences. Routledge
Boal, Augusto. (1979) The Theatre of the Oppressed. Pluto Press
Boal, Augusto. (1992) Games for Actors and Non-Actors. Routledge
Boal, Augusto. (1999) Legislative Theatre. Routledge
Elsom, J. & Tomalin, N.. (1978) The History of the National Theatre. Cape
Kershaw, Baz. (1992) The Politics of Performance, Radical Theatre as Cultural Intervention. Routledge
** Essential Reading
McGrath, J. A Good Night Out. Nick Hearn Books
** Recommended Text
Jellicoe, Ann. (1987) Community Plays. Methuen
Pavis, Patrice. (1992) Theatre at the Crossroads of Culture. Routledge
Read, Alan. (1993) Theatre and Everyday Life. Routledge
Watson, Ian. (1993) Towards a Third Theatre. Routledge