Writing for Performance

Code

ENGL2031

School

English

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring Malaysia

Summary

This module aims to develop students' skills in writing for performance and through this improve their analysis and understanding of contemporary theatre and performance texts and where their own work might be located within it. Areas covered will include finding/shaping/reworking material, adaptation; genre and mode; story and plot; units of action; shape and structure, act and scene; dramatic dialogue: registers of language, rhythm and speech; dramatic action: throughlines and objectives, action as relationship; space and setting; and characterisation and representation. Reading contemporary performance pieces, as well as seeing these in performance, will contribute to the student's understanding of forms and the relationship between text, performance and production. Analysis of same will be accompanied by the sharing, analysis and evaluation of students' own work within the group and will affect further development accordingly.

Target Students

Core module for students taking Level 2 of BA in English with Creative Writing. Not available to exchange students. There is a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice.

Classes

• One 3-hour workshop each week for 12 weeks

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester.

Assessment

• 20% Coursework 1: Script (approx 10 minutes duration), submitted mid-semester
• 50% Project 1: Script (approx 20-25 minutes duration) submitted end of semester
• 30% Coursework 2: Essay on contemporary playtext (approx 2000 words) submitted mid Semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding/Intellectual and Practical Skills

• Students will gain a knowledge of different styles and methods of writing for performance and the intended relationships between writer and audience
• Students will have an enhanced critical understanding of the skills of the writer, in particular character, dialogue, plot, setting and layout, as covered in seminars and coursework

Key Transferable Skills On completion of the module the student should be able to:

• write a well-structured piece of drama
• develop an awareness of how to work within and use dramatic, theatrical and other performance conventions
• manage self-learning by assessment of strengths and weaknesses

  This will be achieved through students' reflection on their progress; the response of peers to their work; and through their own response to work of established writers and work of their peers.

Conveners

• Dr Shivani Sivagurunathan