| Unit name | Performing the Archive: Re-use, Re-enactment and Adaptation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THTR30010 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Paul Clarke |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Theatre |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Documents from the Theatre Collection and other archives are used by researchers as evidence of past events, in the writing of histories of performance. This unit will explore the relationship of documents to the future, and how they can be used as inspirations for creative practice. Workshops will introduce a range of ways of working with archival material in performance. Students will explore strategies for re-using documents, re-making and re-enacting past events or performances, and adapting archival materials for contemporary performance contexts. Through a series of seminars, the unit will investigate the relationship between performance and documentation, between the archive and history, including oral histories, memory and the embodied repertoire. These ideas will be discussed in relation to exemplary performances and taking key art works as case studies. Students will also work collaboratively towards the presentation of their own performance re-enactments, re-makes or staged adaptations.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
(1) demonstrate archival skills: be able to locate appropriate material on a catalogue, call up relevant sources and use some un-catalogued material; question and evaluate information discovered in primary and secondary sources.
(2) demonstrate knowledge and experience of a number of practical approaches to engaging with archival materials in performance; be able to work with documents of past performances, using them to inspire new creative work.
(3) demonstrate in-depth knowledge of key theoretical ideas concerning the relationship between performance and the archive, be able to articulate and apply these in sophisticated discussion, writing and practice.
(4) demonstrate detailed knowledge of exemplary performances that have engaged with re-using documents, re-enactment, revival and remaking past works.
(5) present a clear, well-structured and sophisticated argument, supported by relevant archival, contextual and theoretical research.
(6) effectively conceive, conceptualise and work constructively on a collaborative group project inspired by historical documents.
(7) reflect insightfully on a process, to evaluate their individual role in a collaboration critically and account effectively for group decisions as appropriate to Level H.
9 x 2hr seminars; 9 x 3hr workshops. Occasional screenings will take place in class, and archive visits/workshops. The unit culminates in a 30-hour production period and group performances. Rehearsals are predominantly self-directed and this teaching is responsive.
(1) Group performance, for a group mark (60%) ILO 1-3, 6
(2) Individual viva (40%) ILO 1, 3, 4, 7
Group performances will be 10-20 minutes in length; the duration may vary, depending on the nature of the performance.
The viva will be focused around critical discussion of the performance shown, individual understanding of group decisions, the conception of the work, understanding of process, inspirations, wider context and how it could be developed further. See handbook for detailed criteria for performances and workfiles.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THTR30010).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
