FT1RFT-Radical Forms in Theatre and Performance

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: FT1ATP Analysing Theatre and Performance
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Lucy Tyler
Email: l.s.tyler@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Since the late nineteenth century, in an era ravaged by war and enormous political upheaval, theatre and performance makers have engaged in innovative and often radical experimentation with the aim of challenging the status quo and rehearsing alternative futures. This module introduces you to practitioners whose interrogation of the possibilities of performance have influenced many artists working today. You will investigate an exciting range of historical and contemporary texts and performance practices, and through a dynamic mix of lectures, seminar discussions and practical workshops, explore the key themes and preoccupations that have marked radical and experimental performance since the late nineteenth century. 

Aims:

The module aims:

• To introduce students to the history, traditions and practices of radical theatre making


• To acquaint students with theoretical perspectives that will enable them to effectively analyse experimental performance practices.


• To enable students to appreciate the cultural, political, and aesthetic significance of radical experimentation in theatre and performance.


• To support students in developing and expressing critical understanding through creative practice and risk-taking, both in class and in final assessments.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able:

• To locate specific practitioners and practices securely within the historical trajectory of radical and experimental theatre and performance


• To identify and appraise the impact of these histories on contemporary theatre and performance practice


• To evaluate and apply key theoretical perspectives regarding radical forms and practices


• To employ critical and practical strategies in the creation of experimental performative presentation

Additional outcomes:

It is expected that students will evidence the ability to work collaboratively in producing performance projects, and autonomously in the regular maintenance of their written work.

Outline content:

This module explores the history of a range of practices which existed — and continue to exist — in opposition to dominant conventions in theatre and performance. Taking the relationship between modernism and the theatrical avant-garde as a starting point, the forms will explore may include Naturalism, Expressionism, Symbolism, Dada and the Absurd, paying close attention to their specific historical contexts.  We then move on to consider more recent practices such as feminist performance art, post-colonial intervention, physical and dance theatres, and site-specific and immersive practices.

Throughout, we will discuss broader themes including the effectiveness of anti-realist practices, post-dramatic strategies, and the politics of autobiography in constructing cultural identity. The programme varies from year to year to take account of current practice and critical debate, but practitioners frequently studied include playwrights such as MauriceMaeterlinck, Ernst Toller, Samuel Beckett, Aimé Césaire, Ntozake Shange and Caryl Churchill, and practitioners such as Yoko Ono, Pina Bausch, Forced Entertainment, Rimini Protokoll, Punch Drunk and Bobby Baker. 

Global context:

The module explores theatre and performance in an international context and refers to forms of practice and examples of work from across the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures will introduce the students to new theoretical concepts and critical approaches which will be tested out in seminars/workshops in the discussion and practical exploration of theatre texts/performances. Screenings are an integral part of the module. A theatre trip may be arranged if a relevant performance is available.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		9
Seminars		13.5
Tutorials		2
Practicals classes and workshops		6
Supervised time in studio/workshop		4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		20
Wider reading (directed)		27
Advance preparation for classes		18
Preparation for presentations		30
Preparation for seminars		18
Preparation for performance		32
Reflection		20.5
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Project output other than dissertation	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group Performance Presentation (60%)

Learning Journals (40%)

Formative assessment methods:

Oral feedback from staff and peers will be given following in class experiments. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of additional coursework. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: £25-30

Last updated: 30 March 2023