PD Course
Hands-On Theatre History: Anti-Realism
Created by Wendy-Marie Martin
This course is a mix of individual and group activities requiring students to use both their analytical and creative mind. It gives students an overview on the Anti-Realism movement of the late-19th and early-20th century, and introduces them to some key theorists, playwrights, and theater makers involved in this movement.
Together we will guide students through the wild world of the “isms,” more specifically Symbolism, Dadaism, Surrealism, Expressionism and Absurdism. We will introduce students to various manifestos and theories as we track the characteristics of each of our five “isms.” As we combine analysis and creative exercises, students bring their entire self to process and prepare to design an ISM Theme Park project, which they will share with the class at the end of the course.
-
0Lesson 0Introduction13:17 FREE PREVIEWThe introduction gives an outline of the course and explains how each lesson will cover a different topic, culminating in a final project.
-
1Lesson 1Historical Foundations & Cultural Contexts11:38 FREE PREVIEWThis lessons focuses on the historical and cultural context of the 19th into early-20th century, a time ripe with “isms” and the manifestos that created them. We’ll look at the role realism & naturalism play in our American theatrical tradition and causes for the historical shift from realism to Anti-realism.
-
2Lesson 2Symbolism7:25 LockedThis lesson has a focus on Symbolism, including investigating The Manifesto of Symbolism by Jean Moreas to help inspire students to write their own short manifestos. The characteristics of Symbolism are further explored in Belgian playwright Maurice Maeterlinck’s iconic symbolist play, The Intruder.
-
3Lesson 3Dadaism10:44 LockedThis lesson introduces Dadaism, using Ubu Roi as a jumping off point. Two manifestos are studied and students learn how to write a Dada poem of their own.
-
4Lesson 4ASurrealism Part 114:31 LockedThis lesson introduces surrealism, using Breton's 1924 Manifesto, a game of Exquisite Corpse, and costume and set designs by Picasso.
-
4Lesson 4BSurrealism Part 25:32 LockedThis lesson includes an introduction to Antoine Artaud’s version of surrealism called the Theater of Cruelty. Students can explore themes outlined by Artaud in his manifesto and use this exploration to create their own short surrealist play.
-
5Lesson 5AExpressionism Part 112:20 LockedThis lesson explores expressionist theater, starting with its German roots and as well key players in the movement and the characteristics connected to this form of theater.
-
5Lesson 5BExpressionism Part 27:06 LockedThis lesson shifts the perspective from the Expressionist movement in Europe to the movement in the United States, with a focus on Eugene O’Neill’s expressionistic masterpiece, The Hairy Ape.
-
6Lesson 6AAbsurdism Part 111:29 LockedThis lesson looks at Martin Esslin’s crucial essay, “Theater of the Absurd,” and focus on five iconic absurdist playwrights: Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, Jean Genet, Harold Pinter and Edward Albee.
-
6Lesson 6BAbsurdism Part 23:58 LockedLesson 06B is a celebration of the work students began in Lesson 06A. Here they will share their playwright bios as well as scenes from The Zoo Story by Edward Albee, Rhinoceros by Eugène Ionesco, Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, The Balcony by Jean Genet and The Homecoming by Harold Pinter.
-
7Lesson 7Final Project3:34 LockedThe final combines creativity with analytical thought as students connect ideas and concepts with their imagination in order to create a theme park that embodies all five of the “isms” we’ve covered in this course: Symbolism, Dadaism, Surrealism, Expressionism, and Absurdism.
Standards Addressed
Acting Drama 20
Theatre Studies Drama 10 (Greek, Medieval or Elizabethan, and Canadian)
Theatre Studies Drama 30 (Early or Middle or Late drama)
Movement Drama 10
Playwriting - Drama 20
Junior Orientation
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
Junior Goal I Objectives
Theatre Studies Level II - Intermediate (Theatre History)
Senior Goal I Objectives
- demonstrate a sense of inquiry and commitment, individually and to the group
- demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
- demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
- demonstrate the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
- develop a sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
Senior Goal II Objectives
Get instant access to this and everything else in the Drama Teacher Academy
