Contemporary Approaches to Theatre-Making - TFT00062M
Module summary
This module introduces you to a small number of recent and contemporary theatre-makers with a view to expanding your theatrical ‘vocabularies’ of how stagework can be conceptualised and realised. The aim is to explore, in detail, the work of significant contemporary theatre makers, while developing your appreciation of specific ideas and approaches, and to making these available to you as theatre makers.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
The aims of the module are:
- to introduce key theoretical issues in modern direction and performance and to explore them via practical explorations of, and experiments with, contrasting styles or modes of practice
- to explore the work of leading contemporary theatre makers alongside the approaches of key historical figures in the development of stagework
- to generate a dialogue between theoretical and practical investigation of approaches to theatre making
- to explore through group performance presentation and via an essay at the end of the module, the theoretical and practical implications of specific theatre making practices
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module you will be expected to:
- demonstrate, both practically and in written work, an intelligent absorption, engagement with and application of training methods developed by some key figures of twentieth and twenty-first century practice
- have developed advanced collaborative skills through the focus on small group work and the development of ensemble theatre-making
- evidence an informed understanding of key contemporary and historical theatre-makers -have conducted detailed research into a particular theatre-maker and to evidence advanced analytical skills such as careful study of theoretical positions and practical application of a particular set of ideas about stagecraft.
Module content
You will also develop research skills as you will be required to investigate the practitioners, their methods and their productions. Indicative examples:
Ariane Mnouchkine, Katie Mitchell, William Gaskill, Dario Fo,
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
On this module, formative feedback will be given in teaching sessions for practical work towards the assessment.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 100 |
Module feedback
You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times, with an option of an individual follow-up meeting if any aspect of the feedback is unclear or if more guidance on interpreting the feedback is requested. On this module, formative feedback will be given in teaching sessions for practical work towards the assessment.
Indicative reading
Behan, T. (2000). Dario Fo : revolutionary theatre. London: Pluto Press.
Gaskill, W. (1988). A sense of direction. London ; Boston: Faber.
Mitchell, K. (2009). The director's craft: a handbook for the theatre. London : Routledge.
Miller, J. (2018). Ariane Mnouchkine (Routledge Performance Practitioners) London: Routledge.