Beckett in Performance

Overview

As a director of his own work as well as one of the twentieth century's most innovative playwrights, Samuel Beckett has had a major impact on theatre and performance of the last fifty years. This module will explore Beckett's theatre for stage, radio and television, concentrating on his use of each medium, and in particular, the body in performance. In workshop and presentation sessions, students will explore practically Beckett's approach to performance, informed by a range of theoretical issues relating to gender, authority, technology and the body.

Learning Objectives

Students will,
• Understand the main principles of Beckett’s aesthetic practices and his approach to the various media that he worked within,
• Understand the function of embodied practices in relation to Beckett’s work,
• Have engaged with a wide variety of theorists and thinkers on Beckett and across cognate topics,
• Have advanced their ability to closely read texts and performances,
• Have honed their skills of critical analysis in verbal, written and creative forms.

Skills

Research and analytic skills. Communication, team work and interpersonal skills.

Assessment

Attendance at weekly lectures and workshops