Contemporary Performance Practices
| Module title | Contemporary Performance Practices |
|---|---|
| Module code | DRAM136 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Ms Cariad Astles (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Module description
This module introduces a range of contemporary international performance practices and applied theatre skills. It is divided into several blocks taught by international practitioners and academics. We will introduce a series of practical workshops in physical performance practices, which will include (as examples), performer training in Lecoq-based physical theatre, Balinese performance, and Bunraku puppetry. You will develop and apply skills of socially engaged theatre alongside these practical workshops through lectures and seminars, placements and projects. The module will also include a short placement at the internationally renowned Globe theatre in London.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to:
- Introduce you to a range of international contemporary performance practices
- Develop specific practical skills in performance, devising and techniques
- Give you the opportunity to explore these practices through your own work
- Enhance your employability through knowledge of new performance skills, and IT skills of editing and producing a digital portfolio of work
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Gain knowledge of a range of international contemporary performance and applied performance practices
- 2. Synthesise practices learnt into a piece of performance or performed workshop
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Demonstrate ability to learn new forms of performance and apply this to performance-making
- 4. Reflect on process and performance through a digital portfolio
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Enhanced knowledge of forms of performance and/or applied performance facilitation
- 6. Enhanced technical skills through the development of a digital portfolio
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Introduction to a range of performance practices through staff-led workshops, and self-directed sessions
- Rehearsal for final performance/performed workshop
- Presentation of final performance/performed workshop
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 66 | 234 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 66 | Skills-building sessions, workshops with practitioners, lectures and seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 234 | Independent study: rehearsal, preparation for taught sessions, reading and research for written work and presentations |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draft of performance/performed workshop | 10 minutes | 1-3,5 | Oral |
| Draft of portfolio | 1500 words | 4,6 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final performance/ presentation in one large group or smaller groups | 60 | 15 minutes per group member to a maximum of one hour, or equivalent by negotiation | 1-3,5 | Written and oral |
| Written, digital or video portfolio | 40 | 3000 words of equivalent | 4,6 | Written and oral |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final performance in small groups | Individual presentation of 15 minutes, or equivalent by negotiation | 1-3,5 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Written or digital portfolio | 3000 words or equivalent | 4,6 | Referral/Deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further literature review. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will count for 100% of the final mark and will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Bishop, C. (2006) ‘The Social Turn: Collaboration and Its Discontents’, Artforum 44.6 (February 2006): 178-183.
- Graham, S. and Hogget, S. (2009) The Frantic Assembly Book of Devising Theatre (London: Routledge)
- Hawkes, T. (2004) Shakespeare in the Present (London: Routledge)
- Kuppers, P. and Robertson, G. (2007) The Community Performance Reader (London: Routledge)
- Posner, Dassia, Claudia Orenstein and John Bell (2014) Puppetry and Material Performance (London and New York: Routledge)
- Prendergast, M., and Saxton, J. (eds.) (2009) Applied Theatre: International Case Studies and
- Challenges for Practice (Bristol: Intellect)
- Schutzman, Cohen, C. (2006) A Boal Companion: Dialogues on theatre and cultural politics (London: Routledge)
- Stone, J.W. (2010) Crossing gender in Shakespeare (London: Routledge)
- Tufnell, M. and Crickmay, C. (1993) Body, Space, Image (London: Dance Books)
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Cultural adaptations available on Exeter Digital Archives
- DVD of documents and video-excerpts of AHRC British Asian theatre project
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 18/01/2016 |
| Last revision date | 22/02/2019 |
