| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
|---|---|
This module explores how new theatre produced on the British stage in the last twenty years has represented the figure of the child and examines how this work has engaged with debates about children and childhood. It focuses upon the way in which contemporary theatre has experimented with theatrical form in order to reflect and participate in contemporary cultural discourse around the child. It aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of contemporary performance in Britain and the politics of childhood. Students will be required to view one theatre production on in Newcastle for discussion on the module (local theatre programming allowing).
The module will engage with issues arising from: the theatrical evocation of nostalgia, sentiment, and futurity; the negotiation of taboo, risk, mistake and the real in performance; and the celebration and commodification of child performers. It will focus on new work produced on the British stage since 1990. Primary texts may include Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa (1994), Liz Lochhead’s Medea (2000), Nick Stafford’s Warhorse – The Play (2007), Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem (2009), and Simon Stephen’s Wastwater (2011); second critical and theoretical reading may include selected extracts from works such as Jane O'Connor’s The Cultural Significance of the Child Star (2008) and Bert O. States, Great Reckonings in Little Rooms: On the Phenomenology of Theatre (1992).
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Academic Staff Contact Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 41:00 | 41:00 | 0:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | 1:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 70:00 | 70:00 | 0:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 3:00 | 33:00 | 33:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | 3:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 0:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | 0:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 | 49:00 |
The first eleven weeks of the module will involve seminars which, from week 3 or 4 will include student-led presentations and discussion sessions which will focus upon analysis of scripts, second criticism, and viewings of video extracts of performance where available.
There will be a one-hour revision lecture in Week 12 and a 2 hour drop in tutorial session for students seeking advice on their essays.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 60 | 2,500 words |
| Presentation | 2 | M | 15 | N/A |
| Other | 2 | M | 25 | Reflective portfolio |
The Essay enables application of analytical skills developed through seminar participation, and presentation of knowledge acquired through independent research.
The Presentation and accompanying Reflective Portfolio require effective presentation and analysis of independent research, facilitation of discussion, and reflection upon learning.