Chaptures from the History of Czech Theatre 1

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Subject guarantor:

Barbara DAY

Name of lecturer(s):

Barbara DAY

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

The study aim is to acquaint students, in an interactive form, with the history and context of modern Czech theatre. Modern Czech theatre is understood as an innovative development of a wide variety of forms and styles of Czech theatre of the 20th and 21st centuries. This begins with an introduction to traditional Czech theatre in important historical stages and contexts. The development of style and form of modern Czech theatre is demonstrated in the study of important figures with an emphasis on theatre as teamwork. We trace, in particular, the collaborations of important directors and set-designers (Hilar-Hofman, Frejka-Troester, etc.) and their influence of the development of modern Czech acting. An important part is the monitoring of dramaturgy and new dramas. This all occurs in a context of contemporary theatre trends in comparisons and investigation of roots. The result is to be a knowledge of the development of Czech modern theatre in all contexts.

Mode of study:

Lectures, classes, recorded theatre performances viewing.

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

Monitoring contemporary development tendencies in Czech and world theatre. Students must devote time to regular attendances at interesting theatre performances and give a short review or they may focus, in greater detail, on some elements and produce a detailed analysis. As well they should, during the course, devote time to reading dramas, if available, in English.

Course contents:

Introduction to the Czech theatre tradition in important historical periods and contexts. The development of the form and style of modern Czech theatre is demonstrated in the study of important figures with an emphasis on the theatre creations as team creations. We trace, in particular, the collaboration of important directors with set-designers (Hilar-Hofman, Frejka-Troester, Krejča-Svoboda, etc.) and their influence on modern Czech acting. An important part is, also, tracing dramaturgy and drama writing. This is all in the context of modern theatre trends through comparison and investigating those roots. The result is to be the recognition of the development of Czech modern theatre in all its contexts.

Recommended or required reading:

Jan Císař: The History of Czech Theatre, a survey, Amu Press, 2010

Helena Albertová: Josef Svoboda, Scenographer, Theatre Institute, Prague, 2008

Jarka Burian: Moderne Czech Theatre as a Mirror of Society

Leading Creators of Modern Czech Theatre

Assessment methods and criteria:

Students will be assessed in an on-going manner, through their activity during instruction, but an interest in the subject (regular readings, visits and reviews of views performances), personal investigation of the relationship between history and today. Final assessment will be performed, according to group size, through a test (using image material) or personal interview on the visual material with consideration of the submitted essay or course paper. All should have a good bearing in the issues and demonstrate the ability to compare their stage work to the present.

Course web page:

Note:

Further information:

Course may be repeated

This course is an elective for all students of this school

Schedule for winter semester 2016/2017:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

Schedule for summer semester 2016/2017:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans:

• Directing for Dramatic Theatre in English (M.A.) (compulsory subject)