2013-14 Summer

Multicultural Dramatic Works

(HART 1029)



1 Credit | Can be used to fulfill Common Core Requirement (Core Elective: Arts Area)
Teaching Medium: English

Course Description

In this highly practical performance-based theatre course, students will be exposed to dramatic works by influential modern and contemporary playwrights in diverse cultural and social backgrounds. Students will explore how drama as an art form operates to critically examine, deeply reflect and artistically transform stories, social phenomenon and human conditions in various cultures. Through the guided and imaginative journeys, students will have the opportunity to take on the roles of performers, directors and even designers to practice theatre-making skills. Students will apply drama knowledge and skills in studying, analyzing and performing plays of different genres with multicultural backgrounds including Greek & French, Singaporean & Chinese, British & German. Throughout the course, students will often find themselves working in small groups and taking on various roles to explore the meanings within the plays, turning the dramatic text on paper into a 3-dimensional performance, with specific performing styles and techniques.


  1. Develop critical understanding of the cultural roles and significance of theatre and drama.
  2. Acquire and apply appropriate choice of performing styles and skills for the performance of the play studied.
  3. Acquire and apply theatre making skills in analyzing and transforming the play text into a performance.
  4. Work collaboratively in small groups to explore, create and perform excerpts of the selected plays.
  5. Reflect and consolidate learning through practicing the skills, making observations on peers, and giving constructive meaningful feedbacks.

PHASE 1: Play texts in different genres

Lesson 1: Introduction to the relationship between theatre and culture

Lesson 2: The Coffin is Too Big for The Hole by Kuo Pao Kun

Lesson 3: Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka & Steven Berkoff

Lesson 4: Antigone by Sophocles & Jean Anouilh

 

PHASE 2: Performing Styles and Transforming Text into Actions

Lesson 5: Symbolic Actions and Solo Performance

Lesson 6: Physical Movements and Absurd Text

Lesson 7: Metaphors and Naturalistic Acting

 

PHASE 3: Applying Skills, Rehearsal & Presentation

Lesson 8: Formation of small group and choices of the play text for final performance

Lesson 9: Transforming the text into actions

Lesson 10: Practicing specific performing skills

Lesson 11: Final Rehearsal and Feedbacks

Lesson 12: Final Performances, Self & Peer assessment

Lesson 13: Reflection, Sharing and Course Evaluation

  1. Kuo, P (1990) The Coffin is Too Big for the Hole And Other Plays. Singapore. Times Books International
  2. Berkoff, S (1988) The Trial: Metamorphosis: In The Penal Colony: Playscript: Three Theatre Adaptations from Franz Kafka
  3. Anouilh, J (1987) Antigone. London. Methuen Drama

Enrolment Details

Course Registration : 03-03 Oct 2024
Add/Drop : 03-03 Oct 2024


Instructor

Krissy Yin LAM


Assessment

Course Contribution & Attendance 30%
Reflective Journals 20%
Final Presentation 30%
Self-Peer Assessment 20%