This compulsory second year BA World Performance module uses phenomenological and anthropological approaches to defining and analysing Ritual and its relationship to performance in a range of world contexts, including performance practices from a variety of cultural and historical backgrounds which arise from or form part of religious observance.
As well as an overview of key instances of ritual or religious performance, the module offers students the chance to explore in depth one or two such forms of performance, with specific attention to the interaction of performer and audience, and the issues of performer training and community participation. The module includes workshops and classes to develop students performance skills as relevant to the specific case studies.
1. Defining ritual in and as performance
Building on Year One work in Theatre Anthropology, and introducing the work of Richard Schechner, a consideration of the ritual roots of much World Performance and the interpretative implications of this complex interrelation.
2. Case Study One Sacred Performance
An examination and practical exploration of one or two performance forms situated within or arising from an explicitly sacred context (e.g. Balinese Temple Dance, Ancient Greek tragedy, African spirit dance, Native American hunting dance, etc).
3. Case Study Two Ritualised Performance
A study, including particular attention to training methods, of one or two performance forms in which recognisable ritual is a major element of both the creation and the spectation of the work (e.g. Noh Theatre, Chinese Opera, Carnival, Javanese Shadow Puppetry, etc).
4. Group practical project
Working under the guidance of tutors and in groups of 4 or 5, students will create a short ritual or religion influenced presentation, demonstrating understanding and skills derived from one of the case studies.
Module Aims
To offer an overview of theoretical approaches to the study of ritual in World Performance
To study one or two forms of ritual or religious performance, engaging with cultural context, ideas, history and the relevant skills for each form
To allow students to conduct independent research into an area of their own choosing related to ritual and performance
To engage students in a collaborative presentation project allowing experimentation and practice in the field of ritual performance
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate
Knowledge and understanding of a range of ritual and religious performances, including their relationship to cultural and historical context
Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between ritualised performance, its practitioners, and their community
Skills appropriate to performance in at least one major form of ritual or religious performance
The ability to collaborate creatively with others to produce an original piece of practical work
The ability to reflect on, critically evaluate, and articulate their own aims and achievements in practical project work
As well as an overview of key instances of ritual or religious performance, the module offers students the chance to explore in depth one or two such forms of performance, with specific attention to the interaction of performer and audience, and the issues of performer training and community participation. The module includes workshops and classes to develop students performance skills as relevant to the specific case studies.
1. Defining ritual in and as performance
Building on Year One work in Theatre Anthropology, and introducing the work of Richard Schechner, a consideration of the ritual roots of much World Performance and the interpretative implications of this complex interrelation.
2. Case Study One Sacred Performance
An examination and practical exploration of one or two performance forms situated within or arising from an explicitly sacred context (e.g. Balinese Temple Dance, Ancient Greek tragedy, African spirit dance, Native American hunting dance, etc).
3. Case Study Two Ritualised Performance
A study, including particular attention to training methods, of one or two performance forms in which recognisable ritual is a major element of both the creation and the spectation of the work (e.g. Noh Theatre, Chinese Opera, Carnival, Javanese Shadow Puppetry, etc).
4. Group practical project
Working under the guidance of tutors and in groups of 4 or 5, students will create a short ritual or religion influenced presentation, demonstrating understanding and skills derived from one of the case studies.
Module Aims
To offer an overview of theoretical approaches to the study of ritual in World Performance
To study one or two forms of ritual or religious performance, engaging with cultural context, ideas, history and the relevant skills for each form
To allow students to conduct independent research into an area of their own choosing related to ritual and performance
To engage students in a collaborative presentation project allowing experimentation and practice in the field of ritual performance
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate
Knowledge and understanding of a range of ritual and religious performances, including their relationship to cultural and historical context
Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between ritualised performance, its practitioners, and their community
Skills appropriate to performance in at least one major form of ritual or religious performance
The ability to collaborate creatively with others to produce an original piece of practical work
The ability to reflect on, critically evaluate, and articulate their own aims and achievements in practical project work