Modernism and the Stage

This module examines the contrasts and affinities between the key movements of ?Modernist? theatre: Naturalism and the movements that distinguished themselves from it: Symbolism, Futurism, Expressionism. Key Naturalistic dramatic texts by Ibsen, Chekhov, Strindberg and Gorky will be explored; in particular, the appropriate processes used to realise them in performance. The module we will also explore the gravitation towards the 'Anti-Realism' movement of the early twentieth century Avant-Garde, touching on Symbolism, Dada, Surrealism and Absurdism. The conventions, themes and principles of these movements will be explored in terms of their social, cultural and political concerns. Selected texts from key dramatists (Brecht and Jarry in particular) will be explored and their influence on performance today will be examined.