Theatre Studies Unit 1: Pre-modern Theatre Styles and Conventions

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this unit.

Course Description

This unit focusses on the application of acting, direction and design in relation to theatre styles from the pre-modern era; that is, works prior to the 1920s. Students creatively and imaginatively work in production roles with scripts from the pre-modern era of theatre, focussing on at least three distinct theatre styles and their conventions. They study innovations in theatre production in the pre-modern era and apply this knowledge to their own works. Students develop knowledge and skills about theatre production processes including dramaturgy, planning, development and performance to an audience and apply this to their work. Theatre styles from the pre-modern era of theatre include Ancient Greek, Ancient Roman, Liturgical drama such as morality/miracle/mystery plays, Commedia Dell’ Arte, Elizabethan, Restoration comedies and dramas, Neo-classical, Naturalism/Realism, Beijing Opera, Noh theatre, Bunraku and Kabuki and other traditional indigenous theatre forms.

Production roles:

For Area of Study 2, students must work in at least two production roles. The production roles for Area of Study 2 are:

• actor;

• director;

• designer – any one or more of costume, make-up, props, set, lighting, sound.

Areas of Study

Exploring pre-modern theatre styles and conventions

In this area of study, students study scripts from the pre-modern era of theatre, that is, works prior to the 1920s. They study at least three distinct theatre styles from the pre-modern era and the conventions and scripts associated with each. Students study innovations in theatre production in the pre-modern era. They learn about contexts, cultural origins, production roles and performance possibilities for each of the selected theatre styles. Through practical workshops students gain knowledge of how these styles shaped and contributed to the world of premodern theatre.

Interpreting Scripts

In this area of study, students focus on the presentation of scripts from the pre-modern era of theatre. They work creatively and imaginatively in at least two production roles to interpret scripts from three or more distinct theatre styles of the pre-modern era. Students study and apply relevant conventions and consider how work in production roles is informed by different theatre styles and contexts. They learn about processes for developing characters and consider the influence of the audience on work in production roles to enhance text interpretation. Throughout the production process, students will have opportunities to develop oral skills by participating in discussions and explaining how their work in production roles contributes to realising the production aims. They study and apply elements of theatre composition and safe working practices in theatre production.

Analysing a Play in Performance

In this area of study, students focus on an analysis of a professional performance of a script. They study the nature of performance analysis, including audience perspective, acting skills, directorial skills and design skills, and the ways in which the contexts and theatre styles identified or implied in a script are interpreted in performance. Students study the use of theatre technologies and the elements of theatre composition in professional theatre performance. Where possible, students should analyse a pre-modern play in performance.

Assessment

Outcome 1: Preparing for Performance: technical exercises and discussion.

Outcome 2: Recital: presentation of at least two works.

Outcome 3: Written assessment including oral, aural and analysis.

Overall Final Assessment

End of Semester Examination – 1.5 hours.

Information can be obtained from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, Victoria, Australia: www.vcaa.vic.edu.au