Unit Outline

How can you play around with a play? This unit explores the evolution and interpretation of dramatic texts, using the concept of play to explore the range of interpretive practices that move the text from page to stage. Working with a range of texts, both classical and contemporary, you will analyse how theatrical texts have developed historically, and how texts speak to each other within the theatrical canon. These traditional modes of textual analysis will then inform a deeper critical engagement with the varied ways that theatrical texts are interpreted and performed through vocal delivery, physical movement, spatial design, lighting, sound, and other various dramaturgical practices. In this subject you will develop skills to draw out the themes and ideas in texts, as well as their social and historical contexts through scholarly research, and put these into practice through interpretive performance.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	demonstrate knowledge of critical theory and industry practice related to the interpretation of texts for performance.
2	critically compare a range of texts for performance.
3	analyse the realisation of theatrical texts with reference to their social, cultural and historical contexts.
4	identify the social and ethical issues that inform and are embedded in texts for performance.
5	Develop skills in the creative practice of interpretation as a constructive and respectful collaborative process.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	FPB130 Performance Skills or FPB114 Dramatic Interactions AND FPB132 The Theatre Machine or FPB144 Movement for Performers

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Performative Reading and Exegesis.	Week 2	20 %	LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Performance of a scene and rehearsal journal	Week 7	40 %	LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Performance	Week 12	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Performative Reading and Exegesis.

Task Description:

Working in pairs, students will be assigned to one week during semester. In class, during this week, the pairs will present a ‘performative reading’ and exegesis responding to theatrical text assigned to that week.
The exegesis of 750 words should address:
- Information uncovered in their reading and research of the text, and its contexts
- Their interpretation of the text
- How they have attempted to convey this interpretation in their performative reading.

Students will select one of the texts, and present from week 2 on.

Task Length:

3-5 minute excerpt performance reading 5-10 minute contextual and interpretive exegesis (with notes totalling 750 words written, and submitted to MyLO dropbox).

Due Date:

Week 2

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Investigate the social and historical context of the selected text through research.	LO1, LO3, LO4
2	Construct a critical interpretation of the text, drawn from selected excerpt.	LO1, LO3, LO4
3	Dramatize the critical interpretation and contextual research in performance.	LO1, LO4, LO5

Assessment Task 2: Performance of a scene and rehearsal journal

Task Description:

Rehearsal and public presentation of a scene for two performers. You will explore, interpret, rehearse and present a scene selected by the Lecturer. You will work closely with your scene partner to realise this task. You will submit an individual rehearsal schedule and journal as evidence of your process. This may take the form of evidence of email correspondence, written notes, and journal entries. You will be assessed in class.

Task Length:

6 - 8 minutes

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Exploration through practice of a performance text.	LO5
2	Integration of theatrical elements and inventive presentation of a performance text.	LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
3	Analyse, document and apply rehearsal methods through creative practice and written and spoken reflections.	LO1, LO4, LO5
4	Work collaboratively, constructively and respectfully with staff and peers through workshops, ensembles or project teams.	LO1, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 3: Performance

Task Description:

Speaking Texts without Speaking.
Students are given broad scope to develop a short performance or installation responding to a text covered in semester.
Students must produce an accompanying artist statement outlining their rationale behind their project and its intention.

Task Length:

3-minute length for durational works. Accompanying artist statement 300 words

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Arrange and integrate theatrical elements as part of a performance.	LO1, LO2, LO5
2	Construct a thematically and formally coherent performance.	LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
3	Develop an original performance or installation that synthesizes a central theme from the selected source text.	LO1, LO4, LO5

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.