ATS2916 - Theories of theatre 1 - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit




Organisational Unit

Centre for Theatre and Performance


Professor Stacy Holman Jones

Unit guides



  • First semester 2017 (Day)


This unit will examine key theories of theatre and performance practice in the western world from Aristotle, to the artistic movements of Symbolism and German Expressionism, to the anti-naturalism of Meyerhold and Brecht, to Grotowski and the recent contemporary development of Postdramatic theatre. The course connects these theories to theatrical practice in specific historical periods, to gain insights into the artistic, philosophical and political foundations of the various forms in their own times and how they might have influenced practitioners in later days, including the present.


Upon successful completion of the unit students will:

  1. possess a broader knowledge of a range of theatre traditions, past and present;
  2. have some acquaintance with the ideas of key thinkers whose work bears on the interpretation and understanding of theatre and performance;
  3. demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between theatre movements and their socio-historical and cultural contexts;
  4. be able to employ a critical approach to historical and contemporary debates in the study and practice of theatre;
  5. debate the ethical and social dimensions of theatre;
  6. demonstrate an understanding of the key issues in the interpretation and reception of theatre and performance;
  7. have developed their ability to discuss major theorists and practitioners of twentieth century western theatre and their legacy


Within semester assessment: 100%

Workload requirements


See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study


Two gateway units in Theatre