Directing 1

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Subject guarantor

Jakub KORČÁK

Name of lecturer(s)

Jakub KORČÁK

Learning outcomes of the course unit

1. Familiarization with the programme and goals of studying drama directing.
2. Familiarization with the basic aesthetic terms of drama theatre and directing.
3. Introduction to the problems of perceiving the meaning of theatre and its standing in society.
4. Understanding the basic principles of staging and theatrical functions in historical examples.
5. Defining the function and means of modern theatrical directing.

Mode of study

Lectures, classes, course paper and its review.

Prerequisites and co-requisites

1. Talent, verified in the multi-level admissions procedure.
2. Knowledge of theatre history and theatre types.
3. Good bearing in Czech and World drama literature
4. Mastery of basic theatrology concepts.

Course contents

1. Introduction to the study of directing drama.
2. Theoretical defining of basic terms: directing, mise en scene, tempo-rhythm, dramatic situation, theatrical space, scenic space, dramatic space etc.
3. The origins of theatre: its roots and meaning.
4. Transformations of staging principles from antiquity to the baroque.
5. Formation of the principles of modern directing from the Enlightenment through the Meiningen players.

Syllabus: Initially in a seminar students are familiarized with the basic goals and dangers of studying drama directing and with the problems of working in the chosen field. In the subsequent phase, mutual discussion covers the basic terms and definitions relating to the study of the given field. Students are also familiarized with the director's basic tasks and responsibilities in the individual phases of the creating of a theatrical production. After that introduction, students in the seminar are introduced to the problems of the theatre's standing in society, and by examining the foundations of theatricality, they are led to considering the meaning of theatre. Finally, the students are familiarized with staging practices in various epochs of European theatre, with an emphasis on various forms representing the directing component. At the end of the semester is discussion of the circumstances of the emergence of modern directing as an independent field.

Recommended or required reading

Pavis, Patrice - Dictionary of the Theatre

Gordon, Robert - The purpose of playing: modern acting theories in perspective

Schechner, Richard - Performance theory [2005]

Bogart, Anne - A director prepares: seven essays on art and theatre

Čechov, Michail Alexandrovič - The path of the actor

Čechov, Michail Alexandrovič - To the actor: on the technique of acting

Donnellan, Declan - The actor and the target

Hauser, Frank; Reich, Russell - Notes on Directing: 130 Lessons in Leadership from the Director`s Chair

Gaskill, William - A Sense of direction

Krasner, David (ed.) - Method acting reconsidered: theory, practice, future

Lecoq, Jacques - The moving body: teaching creative theatre

Luere, Jeane - Playwright Versus Director: Authorial Intentions and Performance Interpretations

Hodge, Alison - Twentieth century actor training [2007]

Johnstone, Keith - IMPRO: improvisation and the Theatre

Merlin, Bella - Beyond Stanislavsky: the psycho-physical approach to actor training

Mitter, Shomit - Systems of Rehearsal. Stanislavsky, Brecht, Grotowski and Brook

Rudlin, John - Commedia dell´arte: an actor´s handbook

Rudlin, John; Crick, Olly - Commedia dell´arte: a handbook for troupes

Stanislavski, Constantin - An actor´s handbook: an alphabetical arrangement of concise statements on aspects of acting

Stanislavski, Constantin - An actor´s work: a student´s diary

Thomas, James Michael - Script analysis for actors, director and designers

Zarrilli, Phillip B. - Psychophysical acting: an intercultural approach after Stanislavski

Assessment methods and criteria

Grading originates in the submission and defense of the course paper and considers participation in class debates.

Schedule for winter semester 2018/2019:

• Week view
• List

Schedule for summer semester 2018/2019:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans

• Directing and Dramaturgy for Dramatic Theatre (B.A.) (required main subject)