DRAMA AND THEATRE
Backstage Pass to Irish Drama: From Page to Stage
SPRING DN203
Tuesdays
Miriam Haughton and Emma Creedon
At the beginning of this course, students will be brought on a dramatic walking tour of Dublin, visiting such cultural institutions as The Abbey Theatre, The Gate Theatre and culminating with a private backstage tour of The Gaiety Theatre. This “backstage pass” is the foundation point for developing an understanding of how a play is actually staged, before study of many groundbreaking plays ensue. Critiquing a mix of theory and practice is essential for exploring the rich tradition of producing drama in Ireland. The course will also facilitate dynamic and interactive seminars on specific plays and films as well as guest lectures from theatre practitioners who will provide fascinating insights into their crafts.
Students will be introduced to such contemporary Irish playwrights as Marina Carr, Martin McDonagh, Enda Walsh and Mark O’ Rowe. Lectures will examine how specific productions of the plays have dramatised the text, looking at alternative approaches to set designs, lighting, costume, etc while placing these plays in their cultural, social and political contexts.
We will also examine how Irish playwrights have expressed themselves in other media. Films for consideration include In Bruges (2008), His and Hers (2009) and Garage (2007). Seminars will feature video clips and archive materials to inspire discussion and debate, with key theoretical concepts presented by the lecturers. Students will also be introduced to the concept of “Performance Art”, the practice of festival planning such as The Dublin Theatre Festival, The Absolut Dublin Fringe Festival and The Jameson Dublin Film Festival. Finally, students will be introduced to both “reviews” and “reviewing”, with the opportunity to develop critical skills and prepare their own review.
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BELFIELD |
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7 Tuesdays |
Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar 5, 12,19 |
7.30pm - 9.30pm |
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1 Saturday |
Feb 2 |
11.00am - 1.00pm |
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FEE €155 |
Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment |
Tutor Details
Emma Creedon is a PhD student in the School of English, Drama and Film at UCD, researching the role of Surrealism in the plays of Sam Shepard. She teaches on Drama and English (UCD) and works part-time at The Gaiety Theatre. She also worked on the international art exhibition “No Soul for Sale” (NYC 2009) and she was the stage manager of the first ever Fluxus concert in Dublin in 2009.
Miriam Haughton is completing her PhD in Contemporary Irish Performance and Culture at UCD. She teaches Drama and English at UCD and Public Affairs Ireland and reviews for Irish Theatre Magazine. She has previously worked in theatre, tv and film production for BBC/NI, Neil Jordan, Screenwriters Ink, the Lyric Theatre Belfast, the Traverse Theatre Edinburgh, the Arches Theatre Glasgow and has managed UCD performances at Smock Alley and The Project Arts Centre.
Provisional list of key topics to be covered:
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· Drama
· Theatre Production
· Film
· Writing
· Performance Art
· Critical Analysis
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Who is the course for?
This course is for anyone with an interest in Irish culture particularly Irish Film and Theatre Studies.
Reading List:
The following is a selection of recommended texts for those interested in reading further around the course content. We advise that you do not buy books in advance of the course as your tutor will discuss the list and suggest the most relevant reading for particular interests.
The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh
Woman and Scarecrow by Marina Carr
Howie the Rookie by Mark O’Rowe
Misterman by Enda Walsh
A Woman in Progress by Panti
In Bruges by Martin McDonagh
Hunger by Enda Walsh
His and Hers by Ken Wardrop
