CREA2104 Writing for Performance

This topic addresses a variety of theories which both inform and enable analysis of creative practice. Theories include the broad areas of semiology, ideology, power, language, narrative and reception. The focus is on benchmark productions for the stage, cinema and television as well as long-form game narratives, including both video and analogue games, as examples of these theories in practice.

Once the students have demonstrated mastery of these theoretical frameworks we will explore the creative process itself, focusing on adaption, representation, character, setting, conflict and structure. Building on the theories explored in weeks 1-6, students will create their own performative work (a short film or short play script).

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to higher level theories that impact and shape contemporary performance
• Provide students with essential skills, tools and vocabulary in the creative arts
• Develop students’ ability to demonstrate theoretical knowledge through practical applications culminating in the creation of original work
• Provide students with the opportunity to develop an historical perspective by recognizing, articulating and evaluating these essential theories in the context of contemporary creative practice
• Develop students’ ability to think, speak and write about performance in a critically engaged, aesthetically informed and ethically responsive manner
• Develop students’ ability to combine theoretical knowledge and creative passion to form a unified praxis
• Hone creative writing skills in a performative context

1. Analyse a performance to evaluate the praxis the creators of the performance used
2. Design a research project, sourcing relevant examples, which display mastery of core theoretical frameworks essential to the Creative Arts
3. Apply these core theoretical frameworks essential to the Creative Arts to a real-world context
4. Develop the professional vocabulary of a creative artist
5. Reframe theory as practice through original creative work