Download Definitions……..

Definitions……..
Theatre tradition

A theatre tradition is a theatre practice that has a fixed set of specific performance
conventions that have not changed significantly over time.
Performance convention

A performance convention is a significant and identifiable element of performance
o that is usually culturally recognized,
o accepted
o identified as a key feature of the theatre tradition.

Performance conventions
o have a particular function within a tradition
o and are a key feature of communication to the audience.
o Many conventions are unique to their theatre tradition, although some may
appear in similar form but with significant variations in other world theatre
traditions
Moment of theatre
o A moment of theatre is a short and concentrated theatrical presentation used to
demonstrate a particular idea, action or narrative.
Rational…Why assess a world theatre traditions presentation?
 The exploration of theatre traditions and their conventions gives you an understanding
of theatre that is particular to a certain place and/or time.
 Traditions are an important part of any investigation into culture, and this task requires
you to engage with a theatre tradition that has fixed conventions and is a part of a
particular culture’s theatrical tradition.
 The physical and practical exploration of a performance convention presents you with
the significant concept that knowledge and understanding in theatre can often be
somatic, that is, experienced and learned through the body and often situated within
the body.
 This assessment task provides you with the opportunity to bring together conventional
methods of research with somatic research, ie both practical and physical.
 It provides you with an opportunity to learn through action and to make connections
between performance across cultures, places and periods.
 The detailed exploration and application of one particular theatre convention gives you
the opportunity to have a different perspective on performance, as well as a chance
to develop your general performance skills.
 A live presentation is an appropriate way of informing, sharing and demonstrating
action research.
 It develops the your ability to coherently and confidently express yourself and share
your discoveries and learning.
A. Theatre in context
Personal

What interests you about this particular theatre tradition?

Which convention from this tradition are you interested in and why?

What impact does this have on your learning in theatre?

How does this study connect to other areas of performance you have encountered during
the course?
Cultural

How has this theatre tradition been shaped by the culture and period in which it
originated?

What does it convey to an audience?
Theoretical

What is the relationship between the convention selected and other conventions and
elements of the theatre tradition?

What is the theatrical function of this convention within the tradition?

What does it communicate to an audience?
B. Theatre processes

What processes are involved in the practical exploration of the theatre convention
selected?

What processes are involved to develop the necessary skills required for this performance
convention?

How do you choose the right material to demonstrate the application of the performance
convention selected?

What are the processes required to apply the convention to action?

What processes are involved in the organization of a presentation, and what skills are
required to effectively present learning to others?

How is learning evaluated? self evaluation/reflection

How does a performer evaluate the impact of working with a tradition he or she has not
previously encountered?
C. Presenting theatre

How is a performance convention from a theatre tradition applied to a moment of
theatre?

How do you communicate your discoveries, processes, learning and reflections in a
presentation?

What other resources may be needed?