Workshop in Playwriting:
the Radical and the Unexpected
V30.9840.001
Credits: 4
Professor(s): Ms J Pascal
Syllabus: Download
The course examines radical modern drama in Britain today. It comprises theatre visits to fringe venues to discuss current movements in avant-garde theatre. We will also explore the effect of war, major art movements, dance and music on theatre in Britain and mainland Europe. Through the examination of Expressionism, Surrealism, Political Theatre in the US, the Soviet Union, Germany and Britain. Our work is to chart the major waves which have influenced the modern stage. As well as theatre visits, we will look at DVDs of films which use theatre techniques to deepen understanding of crossover influences. For example we will look at British music-hall and how theatre and film cross-over with the use of dramatic techniques. We will look at theatre satire and how it was used by such artists as Charlie Chaplin to lampoon fascism in the Great Dictator and by Joan Littlewood with Oh What A Lovely War! We will also look at Ivan Szabo’s Mephisto to debate the moral dilemma of the artist in Nazi Germany. Assessment will be by five essays on theatre and films we have seen together with issues we have discussed plus the writing of a small play.
This course carries an additional fee of £125 to cover the cost of theatre tickets.
This course is accompanied by a theatre visit, code V30.9840.002.
Intended for students of theatre, directing and/or playwriting.