DTS2270

Modern drama

P Fitzpatrick

8 points - 3 hours per week - Second semester - Clayton

Objectives Students in this subject should develop an understanding of ideas of modernism, and the aesthetic and socio-political contexts in which it evolved. They should also acquire the capacity, through experimental work in class, to relate textual interpretation to performance possibilities, and a knowledge of contemporary theortetical approaches to the analysis of non-verbal communication.

Synopsis This subject looks at the emergence of modernist dramatic forms in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Europe. The focus is at once on concepts of 'the modern' and on critical analysis of the texts and performance styles usually associated with a range of artistic ideas and movements such as naturalism, expressionism, surrealism, absurdism and epic theatre.

Assessment Tutorial presentation and participation: 20% - Short essay (1500 words) or group-devised performance: 30% - Long essay (3000 words): 50%

Prescribed texts

Beckett Endgame Faber, 1995
Brecht Mother Courage and her Children Methuen, 1996
Buchner Woyzeck Oxford, 1995
Chekhov The Seagull in Five plays Oxford, 1995
Ibsen Hedda Gabler in Four major plays Oxford, 1995
Jarry Ubu Rex Methuen, 1990
Materlinck The Intruder Centre for Drama and Theatre Studies
Pirandello Six Characters in Search of an Author Heinemann, 1980
Strauss Big and Little Centre for Drama and Theatre Studies
Strindberg The Ghose Sonata Centre for Drama and Theatre Studies
Weiss Marat Sade Calder and Boyars, 1989
Wilde Salmoe Faber, 1994

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