This document provides an introduction and overview for a university unit on analyzing postmodern performance. The unit aims to introduce analytical skills for interpreting postmodern works and developing critical judgements. Students will learn tools like semiotics and how to analyze performances through lenses like postmodernism. They will write a 2,000-word essay investigating a text from their subject using these analytical methods. The essay is due on May 13th and is worth 100% of the unit's total assessment. Students are given example practitioners and texts to research for their analysis.

1. Introduction to the unit
by Louise Douse
Week
1
Analysing
Performance

2. Unit Aims
 To explore concepts such as ‘style’, ‘representation’ and ‘meaning’ in
reference to Postmodern performance
 To introduce you to a wide range of research and analytical skills which
will benefit your academic work across the curriculum
 To encourage you to select, analyse and evaluate research materials in
order to begin to make informed critical judgements
 To enable you to develop critical skills appropriate to HE study and to
give you opportunities to hone your skills in articulation of your ideas in
writing
Week 1
Analysing Performance

3. Why?
 All that is on the stage is a sign.
Keir Elam,Theatre Scholar
 Interpretation is on-going: at the point of choreographing, of
executing, of witnessing. Interpretation is transactional and
intersubjective.
Valerie Preston-Dunlop and Ana Sanchez-Colberg, Dance Scholars
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Analysing Performance

4. Learning
Outcomes
Understand how to read and
interpret Postmodern performance
texts in terms of production and
reception.
Apply methods of performance
analysis to develop ideas and
construct arguments, and articulate
ideas in writing utilizing academic
conventions in referencing,
formatting and presentation.
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Analysing Performance

5. We are going to learn how
to look, how to see and
how to ‘read’ performance
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1
Analysing
Performance

6. Semiotics – a mechanism to help you see
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Analysing Performance

7. Postmodernism – a particular lens
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Analysing Performance

8. Task – 1 minute
 Talk about a performance you saw and
were sure you understood until you
spoke to someone else!
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Analysing Performance

9. What?
Date Topic
31/01/22 Introduction
07/02/22 Performances and Practitioners
14/02/22 Post-modernism
21/02/22 Nexus of the Four Strands
28/02/22 Signifier and Signified
07/03/22 Denotation and Connotation
14/03/22 Interpretation
21/03/22 Intention
Date Topic
28/03/22 Analysis
04/04/22 AssessmentOverview
11/04/22 –
22/04/22
Easter Break
25/04/22 Formatting
02/05/22 Bank Holiday Monday
09/05/22 Assessment Due: 13/05/22 @10am
Week 1
Analysing Performance

10. Assessment
What? Essay
How long? 2000 words including
quotations
When for? Friday 13 May, 10.00am
How important? 100% of the total
assessment of the unit
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Analysing Performance

11. Assessment
For the assessment you will write a 2000 word essay that
investigates a text from your subject using analytical
methods.This will be an opportunity for you to explore
areas of the unit that have particularly interested you.
Regular, recorded reviews of draft work with a tutor will be
completed in formative sessions.
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Analysing Performance

12. Essay Title
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 themes and/or characteristics
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Analysing Performance

13. What should your essay include?
 Contextual info on the practitioner/work
 Discussion of key methods of analysis
 Semiotics and 4 strands analysis
 Interpretation:What are the postmodern themes and/or
characteristics?
 Intention:What did the choreographer/director intend to
communicate?
 Analysis:What are the key signs and stylistic features of the work that
support your interpretation.
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Analysing Performance

14. What?
Date Topic
31/01/22 Introduction
07/02/22 Performances and Practitioners
14/02/22 Post-modernism
21/02/22 Nexus of the Four Strands
28/02/22 Signifier and Signified
07/03/22 Denotation and Connotation
14/03/22 Interpretation
21/03/22 Intention
Date Topic
28/03/22 Analysis
04/04/22 AssessmentOverview
11/04/22 –
22/04/22
Easter Break
25/04/22 Formatting
02/05/22 Bank Holiday Monday
09/05/22 Assessment Due: 13/05/22 @10am
Week 1
Analysing Performance

15. Task – 1 minute
 Add the deadline to your calendar.
 Add a set time each week in your
calendar to work on the essay.
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Analysing Performance

16. Assessment Practitioners
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Analysing Performance
Dance and
Professional Practice
Texts
Matthew Bourne – The Car Man
Gecko – TheWedding
La La La Human Steps - Amelie
Compagnie Heddy Maalem – Le Sacre Du Printemps
ActingTexts
Joel Paley and Marvin Laird – Ruthless!The Musical
Royal Shakespeare Company – The Merry Wives ofWindsor
MoleWetherall – Negative Space
Dominique Morisseau - Pipeline

17. Task – Next Week
 Research each of the 4 practitioners for
your subject.
 Name (dob-dod)
 Company name (if relevant)
 What are they known for?
 Style of performance
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Analysing Performance