2023

Theory of the Actor

Name: Theory of the Actor
Code: ARC12593L
3 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours
Scientific Area: Teatro

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

Ensuring quality, inclusive and equitable education, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all citizens and performing arts specialists.

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

1. To develop the analytical, critical and observational spirit in students in relation to the different theatrical tendencies regarding the role of the actor as a fundamental element of the theatrical process.
2. Diachronic and synchronous analysis of the role of the actor in function of the main aesthetic trends that mark the Theater in the 20th and 21st centuries.
3. Encourage students to apply the knowledge gained from the study of the major Western models of the art of the actor, thus contributing to an increase in their professional and practical skills.
4. Encourage in students the ability to organize and systematize the information gathered in the different analytical processes, thus developing their specific abilities so that they know in a methodical, summary and critical way to present the results of their individual and / or team work.

Contents

Stanislavski - the System and the Method.
Some distinct paths in method development:a) The emphasis of the role of the subconscious in the method, seen by Strassberg; b) The method and critical examination performed by Mikhail Chekhov.
The Constructivism and Theater of Biomechanics of Meyerhold, in antagonism to Tairov's aestheticism.
Characteristics of the Epic Theater and the work of the Actor in the Brechtian method.
The involvement of the viewer: Living Theater and the "cruelty" of Artaud.
The training of the actor with Grotowski and Barba: the rite and the relationship with the spectator.
The Actor and the empty space: Brook, Luca Ronconi, Ariane Mnouchkine.
The View Point: Anne Bogart and Western Appropriation of the Tadashi Suzuki Method.
Katie Mitchell and the virtuous use of videodesign in theatrical work.
Gerald Thomas: Thought as Process, and Process as Time and Space of scene.

Teaching Methods

The teaching of the program's subjects is based on the analysis and systematic discussion of texts that approach the main contemporary models of the actor's art in the West.
The classes are organized in two parts: the first one will be filled by an exposition of the subject, followed by a debate, and / or analysis of documentary material.

Evaluation methods
The student can choose between continuous evaluation or a final exam:
To be evaluated, the student must be present in 80% of the sessions, that is, the limit of unexcused absences is set at 20% of the total number of sessions in the semester, with the exception of working students.
1. Continuous assessment
a) Presentation of a work (50%).
b) Participation in debates and attendance (20%).
c) Frequency (30%).
2. Final exam

Teaching Staff