Key facts
UNE unit code: THEA517
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Australian theatre and its audiences have evolved since the first European theatrical performances after colonisation. Having a deep understanding of the history of performance helps us to see contemporary performances in context.
In this unit you will explore trends in Australian theatre from colonisation to the present day through the study and performance of outstanding Australian plays. You will investigate the linkage between changes in Australian society and theatre practice, and the contribution of Australian theatre to the development of an emerging national identity.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- apply a sophisticated critical analysis and advanced understanding of the development of Australian theatre from colonisation to the present day, and the contribution of Australian theatre practice to the development of national identity and the representation of marginalised groups;
- apply a sophisticated critical analysis to the diversity of historical and contemporary Australian theatre styles and forms in a variety of theatrical, political and socio-cultural contexts;
- demonstrate advanced academic and theatrical skills, in particular the analysis of primary and secondary sources relating to Australian theatre, theatre theory, and practice-led research;
- communicate complex concepts effectively in written, oral and/or performance forms.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Structured Forum Tasks No. Words: 2500 (equivalent) |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Practice-Led Research Project or Research Project No. Words: 4000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Don's Party
ISBN: 9780868195308
Williamson, D., Currency Press 1997
Text refers to: All offerings
A Cheery Soul (in Collected Plays)
ISBN: 9780868196602
White, P., Currency Press 2001
Text refers to: All offerings
Counting and Cracking
ISBN: 9781760623395
S. Shakthidharan, Currency 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
The Chapel Perilous
ISBN: 9780868198149
Hewett, D., Currency Press 2007
Text refers to: All offerings
Summer of the Seventeenth Doll
ISBN: 9780868199672
Lawler, R., Currency Press 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
Who's Afraid of the Working Class?
ISBN: 9781925005240
Andrew Bovell et al, Currency 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
The Drover's Wife
ISBN: 9781760620974
Leah Purcell, Currency 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
Australia in 50 Plays
ISBN: 9781760627386
Julian Meyrick, Currency 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
No Sugar
ISBN: 9780868191461
Davis, J., Currency Press 1986
Text refers to: All offerings
SHIT
ISBN: 9781760621360
Patricia Cornelius et al, Currency 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
Still Point Turning
ISBN: 9781925338720
Priscilla Jackman, Currency 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Contemporary Australian Playwriting
ISBN: 9781032008615
Chris Hay and Stephen Carleton, Routledge 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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