2. The Essay
In what ways can your chosen practitioners work be
considered postmodern. You should discuss the
chosen work by paying particular attention to:
The significant signs and key stylistic features of
the work
The key postmodern concepts applied to the
performance
Week 5
Analysing Performance
6. Postmodernism
(100 words)
One paragraph to define
postmodernism and explain the
key ideas (for intro/method) –
100 words
POINT: Postmodernism is…
EVIDENCE: Quote from
academically rigorous resource
EXPLANATION: Explain in own words
Week
5
Analysing
Performance
7. Practitioner info/
outline of work
200 words
You might want to try to put something together for yourself.
Analysing Performance Week 5
8. Method
200 words
TBC – Might include paragraph on Postmodernism
Analysing Performance Week 5
11. Interpretation
- 200 words
Analysing Performance Week 5
• One of the key themes of the work…
• An interpretation of the work…
Point –What is the work about?
• One critic writes, “…” (Ref)
• This is supported by X who states… (Ref)
Evidence – How has it typically been
interpreted?
• This is a key concern of postmodernism because…
• This relates to X’s theory of … because…
Explanation – How do these ideas relate to
postmodernism?
13. Impression
Impression is not only the domain of the performer who has to execute
movement in a particular way so it may ‘give an impression’ and be
perceived by an audience. Impression is the constant dual channel of
receiving and giving information through our senses; an image in the mind
caused by something external to it.
(Preston-Dunlop, V. & Sanchez-Colberg, A. 2002, p. 16)
Week 5
Analysing Performance
14. How do I go
about it?
Practising Ideas Approaches to Theory Week 7
Watch your work, multiple times
Choose a particular section or sections which highlight
your interpretation
Note down the key elements of the performance in
terms of performer, movement, sound and space
Consider any key connections between strands
Articulate how this is a clear example of your previous
interpretation
Write up your paragraph!
15. Impression
- 200 words
Analysing Performance Week 5
• One of the key moments of the work…
• This particular theme is highlighted when…
Point –What is key moment in the work
that highlights your previous point?
• The performers are…
• A key action is… which is performed with… dynamics
Evidence – Can you describe the key
elements?
• This particular section suggests…
• As an example of … this could be interpreted as..
Explanation – How does this link to your
interpretation?
19. Gecko – The Race
Idea 1
Interpretation – challenging stereotypes re: fatherhood / Lyotard &
metanarratives
Impression – puppet scene
Analysis - TBC
Idea 2
Interpretation – uses multiple forms of theatre to create a hybrid / pastiche,
intertextuality (Kristeva/Barthes)
Impression – multiple sections
Analysis - TBC
Week 5
Analysing Performance
20. Bibliography
Elam, K. (2002) The semiotics of theatre and drama. London: Routledge.
Pavis, P. (2003) Analyzing performance: theater, dance, and film. Ann Arbor: University of
Michigan Press.
Preson-Dunlop,V. & Sanchez-Colberg, A. (2010) Dance and the performative: a
choreological perspective: Laban and beyond. London: Dance Books.
Storey, J. (2006) Cultural theory and popular culture: an introduction. Harlow: Pearson
Prentice Hall.
Week 5
Analysing Performance