Australian Theatre

Abstract

Selected plays from contemporary Australian theatre are studied with particular focus on cultural contexts. Special attention is paid to periods of intensive activity in playwriting and the role of theatre in reflecting distinctive Australian cultural standpoints. Students read and critique a range of texts selected for their engagement with Indigenous … For more content click the Read More button below.

Selected plays from contemporary Australian theatre are studied with particular focus on cultural contexts. Special attention is paid to periods of intensive activity in playwriting and the role of theatre in reflecting distinctive Australian cultural standpoints. Students read and critique a range of texts selected for their engagement with Indigenous Australians, class, gender, sexual orientation, and the migrant experience.

Syllabus

Australian theatre history and contemporary developmentThe Australian theatre canon - past, present and emerging (including critical study of selected Australian plays)Contemporary and Innovative Australian Theatre practiceAustralian cultural alternative viewpoints including with regard to: the aged; Indigenous Australian experiences; LGBTI; migrant experience; class; and genderIndigenous theatre and representation of First Nations … For more content click the Read More button below.

Australian theatre history and contemporary development
The Australian theatre canon - past, present and emerging (including critical study of selected Australian plays)
Contemporary and Innovative Australian Theatre practice
Australian cultural alternative viewpoints including with regard to: the aged; Indigenous Australian experiences; LGBTI; migrant experience; class; and gender
Indigenous theatre and representation of First Nations Australians in Australian theatre
Non-Anglo Celtic theatre forms in Australia
A critical understanding of cultural, socio-economic, and access diversity in Australian theatre
The structure of the Australian theatre industry (theatre companies, funding bodies, training options, access and government policy)

Assessment items

1. Issues and Text Seminar

2. Australian Stages Essay or Scene Analysis

3. Class Preparation and Engagement

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to explain and evaluate a wide variety of Australian theatre forms;

be able to investigate recent Australian theatre history and its place in contemporary Australian cultural and creative industries; and

be able to investigate and compare distinctive Australian cultural standpoints with respect to Indigenous Australians, migrant experience, class, sexual orientation, and gender.

Assumed knowledge

It is assumed that students will have some knowledge of theatrical and drama conventions.

Enrolment restrictions

This subject is not available to students who have completed subject ACT318 as it shares similar content

Handbook