DRAM40020 The Body in Performance

Academic Year 2021/2022

This studio-based module introduces students to the role of the body in performance and theatrical space. Students learn experientially methods of physical training and movement and are introduced to ideas of how bodies powerfully create meaning onstage in time and space, and through the use of gesture.
Students will be introduced to a range of contemporary compositional methods which may include: Pina Bausch, Anne Bogart, Trisha Brown, Merce Cunningham, and Rudolf Laban. Students learn to apply these diverse methods of composition in physical theatre and movement and are guided to create individual performance projects.
In the context of the history of the body in performance, students learn skills to analyse predominantly non-verbal contemporary performances, and examine theoretical and critical frameworks of corporeal analysis.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students will be equipped to:
Understand a range of physical theatre and movement processes to prepare the body for performance
Apply techniques of physical training and moment in rehearsal and creation settings
Identify and define a range of methodologies that support the composition of bodies in performance
Investigate and critically analyse the body in performance
Critically research corporeal analysis using theoretical frameworks in the field
Apply physical training and movement processes to their creation of original performance projects
Analyse and evaluate their performance projects in critical reflection documents

Indicative Module Content:

Weeks
1. 1: Introduction: Movement Research & Analysis 1
2. Movement research and Analysis 2
3. Viewpoints 1: Exploring Viewpoints in Detail
4. Composition 1: Trisha Brown Accumulation Technique
5. Composition 2: Merce Cunningham: Space and Aleatory Procedures
6. Composition 3: Pina Bausch: Image and Repetition/ Variation
7. Viewpoints 2 & Presentation Proposal Meeting
8. Viewpoints 3: Creative Composition
9. Viewpoints 4: Developing Composition
10. Mentored Rehearsal
11. Rehearsing Practical Assignments
12. Practical Presentation of Composition Assignment

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Practical

34

Autonomous Student Learning

166

Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module has both theoretical and practical elements in each class. Teaching and learning is focused on the generation of material for performance with recourse to precedence of leading theatre and dance makers where the body, movement, and space are key elements.
Each class begins with a physical Warm-Up, followed by Movement Laboratory section in research of practice tasks. The final section of the class is devoted to students' composition and the application of techniques and methods of material gathering for performance. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Critical Evaluation and Reflection Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

30

Practical Examination: Performance Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

40

Continuous Assessment: Contribution and Learning Journal Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback is on-going, weekly as students develop their practical research in-class. Weeks 7, 10 and 11 are devoted to formal feedback in both group and individual settings. Assessment is offered on the practical work and on the essay (Critical Reflective Document) in the post-assessment period.

Name Role
Dr Paul Halferty Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Andrea Scott Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Arudhra Krishnaswamy Tutor