DR30220 - PRODUCTION ANALYSIS

Module Identifier

DR30220

Module Title

PRODUCTION ANALYSIS

Academic Year

2005/2006

Co-ordinator

Ms Patricia A Rhodes

Semester

Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)

Pre-Requisite

DR39610

Course delivery

Lecture

10 x 1 hour Lectures in Semester 1 and 6 x 1 hour Lectures in Semester 2

Seminars / Tutorials

6 x 1 hour Seminars in Semester 2

Practical

Theatre visits and practical theatre work

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Exam	2 Hours Two examination questions will be published in advance and students will be asked to prepare answers for writing under examination conditions.	60%
Semester Assessment	2 essays: 2000 word each. Essay 1: 15%, Essay 2: 25%	40%

Learning outcomes

Typically, upon completion of this module the student should be able:

- To identify the production choices made in selected performances.
- To reflect analytically and critically on the efficacy and significance of these production choices.
- To demonstrate a detailed knowledge of two of the texts studied and a deeper understanding of the problems, possibilities and challenges of interpreting these texts for contemporary performance.
- To produce critical reviews and analyses directed to particular target audiences.

Brief description

The module will examine a number of both professional and in-house productions in order to consider critically the way in which the different elements of a production come together to create the theatrical experience. These elements, which include the contribution of the directors, designers and performers, will be considered in isolation and in relation to each other, in so far as they contribute effectively to the realization of the text in the consciousness of the given audience. The module will look at aspects of the performance history and the critical evaluation of particular texts, and will also provide opportunities to discuss production choices and working methods with both directors and members of production teams. The module is designed to build on skills acquired in the Level 2 Production Environment, allowing students to develop their own style and produce informed analysis based on independent research.

Aims

The aims of the module are:

To examine some of the methods for analysing productions of plays in performance.
To apply these methods to selected productions.
To examine the 'performance history' of selected texts and previous production choices made.
To deepen students' understanding of the challenges and difficulties of presenting two of the texts studied for modern theatre audiences.
To develop the students' ability to write critically and effectively about the theatrical event

Content

Content:

This module is for single honours students only.

In the first semester, students will follow the lecture schedule for DR39610. The lectures and seminars will focus on the text chosen for performance. Several of these will be third-year productions of texts performed as part of the Department's English-medium practical semester and the others will be performances scheduled to be seen on the theatre visit/s arranged for this module. Semester Two Lectures will be arranged when the Production Programme has been finalised but will focus on productions seen on the trip to Stratford.
Students should bear in mind their own responsibility for acquiring experience of the relevant text and bringing it to bear on their analysis of separate production events. It is also the responsibility of students to ensure that they attend the productions studied on the course. The lectures and discussions arranged with theatre practitioners are designed to be generally helpful and informative, but they should not distract attention from the proper focus of the module which is firmly on the personal experience and analysis acquired and developed by the individual student.
Students should be aware that they are expected to contribute towards the cost of the Stratford trip. It is estimated that this will be approximately \ (arrangements can be made with the departmental administrators to spread this cost over up to 3 instalments).

Lecture One: Introduction to the Course, Critical Analysis and the Role of the Critic
Lecture Two: Macbeth
Lecture Three: The School for Scandal
Lecture Four: Flight/ The Tempest/Morn to Midnight
Lecture Five: The Winter's Tale
Lecture Six: Master and Margarita and The Importance of Being Earnest
Lecture Seven: Journey's End and The History Boys
Lecture Eight: The Relapse
Lecture Nine: Whalemusic and Devised Piece
Lecture Ten: London Productions and Details

Essay Deadline - Monday 9th January 2006 and Wednesday 26th April 2006

Production Schedule

12 Oct - School for Scandal - Aberystwyth Arts Centre, 7.30.
16-19 Oct - Morn to Midnight - Castle Theatre, 7.30.
17-20 Oct - The Tempest - RGJ Studio, 7.45.
18-21 Oct - Flight (provisional title) - Emily Davies Studio, 7.30.
7 Nov - The Importance of Being Earnest - Aberystwyth Arts Centre, 7.30.
22 Nov - Macbeth - Aberystwyth Arts Centre, 7.30.
28 Nov-1 Dec - Master and Margarita - Castle Theatre, 7.30.
29 Nov-2 Dec - The Relapse - Emily Davies Studio, 7.30
2 Dec - The Winter's Tale - Aberystwyth Arts Centre, 7.30.
23-26 Jan - Title to be confirmed - Castle Theatre, 7.30.
24-27 Jan - Whalemusic - RGJ Studio, 7.30.
29-30 March - Stratford Trip

The department will arrange tickets for all Stratford productions, but students are reminded that it is their own responsibility to ensure that they attend all other productions. Acquaintance with textual material is essential but is no substitute for attending productions. Students are also encouraged to read the relevant reviews of productions where these are available.

Module Skills

Research skills	Students will demonstrate the results of individual research in the form of essays, examinations and contribution in lectures and seminars.
Communication	Students will demonstrate oral communication skills in seminar sessions and gain experience in selecting and analysing material for written assessments.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Students will receive feedback on written assignments.
Information Technology	IT and information handling skills will be demonstrated through students¿ individual web based and library research and through word processed essay presentation.
Personal Development and Career planning	Students will have the opportunity to explore specific areas which reflect and strengthen their individual career needs.
Subject Specific Skills	Students are encouraged to develop the use of a critical and analytical awareness and to expand their vocabulary in written and oral response to issues concerning theatrical texts in performance for modern audience.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
David Scott Kastan (Ed.) (1999) Blackwell Companion to Shakespeare
Stanley Wells and Sarah Stanton (eds.) Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare on the stage
W. B. Worthen Shakespeare and the Force of Modern Performance CUP
Richard Hornby (1995) Script into Performance Applause Books
Peter Brook (1990) The Empty Space Penguin
** Essential Reading
Oscar Wilde The Importance of Being Earnest (Oxford World Classics)
Sheridan (1998) The School for Scandal, Nick Hern
Vanbrugh The Relapse (OXford World Classics)
Shakespeare Macbeth, The Tempest (Cambridge edition), The Winter's Tale, (Arden edition)
Kaiser Morn to Midnight (copy available in the Department Office)
Irving Wardle (1992) Theatre Criticism (Routledge)
The Reader fro DR39610 Production Environment (available from the Department Office)

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6