Module Identifier PFM0330  
Module Title POST-DRAMATIC THEATRE  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Heike Roms  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Professor Mike Pearson  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Performed Essay/Presentation Performed essay: 30 minutes duration. Sustained critical analysis of one of the genres or practices introduced during the module, through performative presentation. The performed essay may include the use of video, slides, sound, data projection, OHP and elements of live demonstration and performative exposition to support and elaborate the analysis. Presentation: end of semester. This presentation will be videoed for scrutiny by the external examiner and departmental records. 100%
Supplementary Assessment Resit as performed essay with alternative title Resits of assignments when necessary and in accordance with the conditions and timetable set by the university. 100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able:
1. to effectively employ advanced skills in informed and critical analysis and discussion of post-dramatic theatre, evaluating its manifestations through contemporary theoretical and conceptual approaches
2. to demonstrate a developed ability to identify conceptual strategies and techniques in a range of stylistic conventions
3. to demonstrate an advanced ability to distinguish, appreciate and evaluate aesthetic distinctiveness in a range of practices
4. to review and consolidate - through practical application - their understanding of complex operational procedures of post-dramatic performance

Content

Module content is likely to include genres, practices and practitioners; the role of the performer;
forms and function of performance; solo artists; group works; performance and landscape; performance and architecture; aural environments; visual environments; `virtual? environments

Indicative sessions might include:
1. Genres, practices and practitioners
2. Performance 1: the collapse of character and the role of the performer
3. Performance 2: new narratives and the form and function of performance
4. Performance 3: solo performers
5. Performance 4: group works
6. Context 1: performance and landscape
7. Context 2: performance and architecture
8. Context 3: the aural environment
9. Context 4: the visual environment
10. Context 5: the 'virtual' environment

There will also be 3 x 2 hours physical and vocal training sessions per week, one staff-led and two student-led to further examine notions introduced in the lecture/presentations.

Brief description

This is an academic module with practical elements that examines the emergent field of post-dramatic theatre within which notions such as character, motive, plot and narrative development are brought into question.   
Close attention is paid to contemporary British, American and European manifestations particularly in the field of mediated performance.

Aims

The aim of this module is:
a) to explore the emergence of post-dramatic theatre forms
b) to examine in-depth the work of a number of paradigmatic practitioners and companies in developing a series of critical approaches
c) to enable students to distinguish, appreciate and evaluate aesthetic distinctiveness in the field of post-dramatic theatre
d) to encourage practical initiatives in the presentation of intellectual argument through performative means

Module Skills

Problem solving Development and assessment of personal creative functioning in second assignment.  
Research skills Assessment of library and archive research skills in both assignments.  
Communication Encouragement of student participation in seminar component of lecture/presentations. Development and assessment of personal communicative skills in creation and exposition of second assignment  
Improving own Learning and Performance Requirement to effectively fulfill assessment assignments in a creative and original manner.  
Information Technology Used in research and essay writing: assessment requires evidence of individual research and appropriate presentation. Presentation may involve use of data management and projection  
Personal Development and Career planning Exposure to visiting professional practitioners.  
Subject Specific Skills Application of compositional and structural strategies and techniques in the exposition of academic argument Advanced creative functioning  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Auslander, Philip (1999) Liveness: Performance in a Mediatised Culture London/New York: Routledge
Birringer, J. H (1998) Media and Performance: along the border Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press
Cohen-Cruz, J (1998) Radical Street Performance London/New York: Routledge
Fuchs, E and Chaudhuri, U (2002) Land/Scape/Theater Ann Arbour: University of Michigan Press
Fusco, Coco (1999) Corpus Delecti. Performance Art of the Americas Routledge
Giannachi, G (2004) Virtual Theatres London: Routledge
Goldberg, R (1988) Performance Art London: Thames & Hudson
Gomez-Pena, Guillermo (2000) Dangerous Border Crossings Routledge
Goulish, Matthew (2000) 39 Microlectures: In Proximity of Performance Routledge
Hill, L and Paris, H (2001) Guerilla Performance and Multi Media London: Continuum
Kaye, Nick (1994) Postmodernism and Performance London: MacMillan
Kershaw, B (1999) The Radical in Performance Routledge
Kuppers, P (2003) Disability and Performance Routledge
McKenzie, J (2001) Perform or Else Routledge
Pearson, M (1997) Staging Wales, Taylor A.M (ed). 'Special Worlds, Secret Maps' Cardiff: University of Wales Press
Sandford, M (1995) Happenings and Other Acts Routledge
Savran, David (1986) The Wooster Group 1975-1985 UMI Research Press

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7