EA173-4-FY-SO:
World Theatre Studies
2024/25
East 15 Acting School
Southend Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 27 June 2025
30
07 March 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
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BA W495 World Performance
This module introduces students to a wide range of theatre forms from around the world and equips the students with all the skills necessary to document, research, recreate and probe the cultural context of these diverse theatre traditions In addition to approaching topics in intercultural theatre and the study of world theatre in general, this module equips students at the outset of the degree with essential techniques and knowledge which they will be able to draw on and develop further in the final two years of study.
(Note that at least some of these units are taught in parallel, rather than in sequence, throughout the module)
The aims of the module are:
- To develop skills in working across cultural barriers and dealing with unfamiliar theatre forms.
- To develop students analytical abilities.
- To allow students to reflect on, and improve, their writing and oral presentation skills.
- To improve students' practice in managing their time and workloads.
- To enable students to understand and reflect constructively on their own learning processes.
By the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate:
- A working contextual knowledge of numerous world theatre forms and their performance theories.
- Understanding of major topics in cross-cultural and intercultural theatre.
- Ability to meet deadlines both in individual and group work.
- Self-awareness as autonomous learners with a knowledge of own strengths and areas for development.
Module Outline
(Note that at least some of these units are taught in parallel, rather than in sequence, throughout the module)
1. Intercultural Studies
Introduces students to various approaches to the study of theatre across cultural barriers and the various ethical, moral, and artistic considerations of fusion theatre and cross-cultural contact. Research of literature on interculturalism and cross-cultural theatre fuels debates, discussions and refines the students' approach to world theatre research.
2. Comparative Performance Theory
Introduces students to theories and systems of performance from both Western and World theatre traditions, and provides students with varied perspectives on the nature of theatre and comparative theatre studies. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of Stanislavski's theories on performance, the artistic theories of Zeami Motokiyo, the classical interpretations of Aristotle, and Bharta's Natyasastra, as well as contemporary theories on fusion theatre.
3. Practical Case Studies
Offers students opportunities to engage in short term practical case studies of world theatre forms, relating their work back to that undertaken in other modules, and comparing these forms and mediums of expression to Western theatre.
The module will be delivered via:
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Lectures
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Marshall, L. and Oida, Y. (1992) Actor Adrift. London: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC.
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Stanislavsky, Konstantin (no date)
An Actor’s Work?: A Student’s Diary. Edited by Benedetti, Jean. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=325509.
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Stanislavski, Konstantin (no date)
An actor’s work on a role. Available at:
http://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9780203870921.
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Leach, Robert, (no date)
Makers of Modern theatre?: An Introduction. Available at:
http://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9780203487860.
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Aristotle, (no date) Poetics /Aristotle?; translated with an introduction and notes by Malcolm Heath.
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Barba, E., Fowler, R. and Savarese, N. (2006)
A dictionary of theatre anthropology: the secret art of the performer. 2nd ed. London: Routledge. Available at:
https://essex.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/view/action/uresolver.do?operation=resolveService&package_service_id=4613765190007346&institutionId=7346&customerId=7345.
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Adrian, B. (2008) Actor training the Laban way: an integrated approach to voice, speech, and movement. New York: Allworth Press.
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The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Reflective Essay |
|
30% |
| Practical |
Continuous Assessment |
|
30% |
| Practical |
Presentation and Adapted Scene |
|
40% |
Additional coursework information
Assessment
- World Performance presentation (10 minutes plus 5 minutes Q&A) and 5-6 minute adapted scene (Term Two).
- Reflective Essay (2000 words) on the student's learning throughout the year, focussing on his or her development of skills and knowledge to support further study. (Term Three)
Weighting:
- Presentation and adapted scene (40%)
- Reflective Essay (30%)
- Continuous assessment of practical work (30%)
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
tbc
For further information please email tinaw
No
No
No
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
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