This practical module will investigate modes of facilitating performance practices in connection with marginal and displaced peoples across complex socio-political global contexts. Critical engagement with the history of applied theatre and performance practices will help to examine the tensions between the interests of communities and institutions and how these might be responded to in praxis. Three key areas of study will drive the module: Critical histories, personal practices and new applications. As you grasp the theories and methodologies that are being adapted for diverse applied theatre and performance practices, you will develop an awareness of the positionality and sustainability needed for praxis. Ultimately, the module will prepare you to design and facilitate a workshop for a hypothetical community, practising it with peers. Weekly seminars will explore case study examples through digital archives, autoethnographic accounts, critical readings of the literature and visiting workshops; practise and evaluate methodologies by leading and participating in workshops; and facilitate personal reflection through ethnographic research techniques including transcriptions, interviews, video diaries, logbooks and blogging.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the Module, students should be able to:
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of theoretical and methodological issues relating to applied theatre and performance;
Critically engage with the implications of facilitating performance projects in dialogue with the complex socio-cultural, linguistic and epistemic contexts introduced within this module;
Communicate a detailed knowledge of methodologies and theories appropriate to selected performance examples and contexts; and,
Demonstrate a detailed and thoughtful exploration of performance praxis that is sensitive to the complex needs of the individual artist, participants and wider context.
Assessment
38782-01 : Practical + 500 word workshop plan : Practical (50%)
38782-02 : Essay 2000 words : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: Filmed presentation, 15 minutes, exploring key decisions in the workshop plan, led by students individually and for a hypothetical community, and accompanying documentation in the form of a workshop plan, 500-words (50%)
Essay, 2000-words (50%)
Reassessment: Failed component only
Filmed presentation, 15 minutes, exploring key decisions in the workshop plan, led by students individually and for a hypothetical community, and accompanying documentation in the form of a workshop plan, 500-words (50%)