The MA in Contemporary Theatre is a practically based course exploring the varieties of performance that are at the cutting edge of performance making. These include those forms of performance that extend beyond conventional theatrical boundaries, such as live and performance art, as well as innovations within traditional theatre, such as new writing, multimedia and interdisciplinary performance. This focus offers students the opportunity to develop as researchers and as performance makers and to explore the ways in which theatrical innovation is tied to the development of ideas and theoretical understanding. The integration of theory with practice is central to the programme.
Through exploring the issues and challenges of contemporary theatre and performance, students develop as independent artists and researchers, and collaborative participants in theatre-making processes.
Course content
The course seeks to blur the traditional distinctions between theory and practice: ideas are developed, tested and articulated by and through creative work. Taught sessions aim to integrate critical analysis with practice-based exploration.
Modules are designed to introduce a range of performance methodologies and theoretical understanding.
These include: an engagement with critical and performance theories; new writing in theatre; an exploration of the work of the solo performer and the placing of the self within performance; intercultural performance and the influence of non-western performance making; innovations in live and performance art.
Critical ideas and theories will be deployed in relation to selected contemporary texts and, wherever possible, new live work in dance, live art, physical theatre, and/or devised performance.
Available modules include:
Critical Theory & Performance Practices
Self-Referential Practice
Performance Cultures
New Practices
Major Project
The Major Project is the most sustained piece of work of the MA degree. It may comprise one of: a publicly presented piece of practice accompanied by a written critical evaluation/contextualisation; a series of assessed workshop investigations alongside a critical evaluation; or a dissertation.
This module enables students to demonstrate their ability to raise and investigate significant questions in relation to their specialist research area either through theatre/performance practice and/or academic writing.
Normally a good honours degree (2.1) in Drama / Theatre or a cognate discipline.
For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals.
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.
Advice on courses and careers:-
The Creative Way IAG team provides a specialist service for anyone
interested in finding out about courses and careers in the creative and
cultural industries. We can provide information direct to Students,
Parents/ Carers, Tutors and Careers Advisers via email, phone or organised
workshops and 1 to 1 sessions.
To find out more, visit our IAG page on this site on
http://www.creativeway.org.uk/IAG Or contact one of our career advisers: Matt Ball 07889 001764
m.ball@uel.ac.uk or Sarah
Comerford 07515 051509
s.comerford@uel.ac.uk