Year 9 Drama
Unit One - Brecht vs. Stanislavski.
Monologues:
PERFORMANCES -26th and 28th October
PROCESS WORK - 2nd November
PERFORMANCES -26th and 28th October
PROCESS WORK - 2nd November
Statement of Inquiry: Theatre has many purposes and uses.
Global Context: Orientation in Place and Time
Key Concept: Communication
Inquiry Questions: What are some of the key differences between The System and Epic Theatre? Should theatre have a purpose, or simply entertain? Whose theories were more important?
This is an introductory unit exploring the work and theories of two of the most important Theatre practitioners of the 20th Century - Bertolt Brecht and Constantin Stanislavski.
BRECHT - Brecht's theories and innovative approaches revolutionised theatre at the time, and still have a strong impact on directors, designers and actors today. The first few weeks will be spent studying Brecht's Epic Theatre, including the Verfremdungseffekt (Alienation/distancing effect). You will briefly explore the political/social and cultural contexts of Brecht's work as well as some of the key conventions of Epic Theatre. You will transfer that knowledge to two performance pieces, one devised and one scripted. Brecht wanted his theatre to challenge and provoke thought, rather than emotion.
STANISLAVSKI - Stanislavski believed that actors should 'live their part' and play their character as truthfully as possible, by exploring the psychological, historical and emotional contexts of the role. Although the approach seems obvious today, it was a very unique at the time. He wrote several books detailing a comprehensive approach to acting which you will begin to explore in class. You will inquire into the political/social and cultural contexts of his work, and write and develop your own monologue using key techniques from The System.
The work of these two practitioners has shaped modern theatre, but in very different ways. Whose ideas and methodologies do you prefer? How do these theories influence your directorial and artistic intentions?
' in our art you must live the part every moment that you are playing it, and every time.'
Stanislavski An Actor Prepares p19
“Art is not a mirror with which to reflect reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”
Brecht
|
|
|
|
|