Theatre in the World
Research Presentation
Task 1
The research presentation (RP) is distinctive among the theatre assessment tasks as it requires students to hypothetically cross time and space in order to authentically engage with a dynamic theatre tradition of another culture. As a significant encounter with the unfamiliar, there will be challenges and rewards which will shape the outcomes of this learning encounter differently for each student. Students should be encouraged to view this task as a carefully considered and respectful “opening-the-door” experience in search of cultural insight and creative inspiration, appreciating that to master the skills of the world theatre traditions prescribed in this task would take many years and, in many cases, require total immersion in the culture from which the tradition arises.
Formal requirements of the task
Each student submits the following for assessment:
1. A video recording of the student’s research presentation (15 minutes maximum).
2. A list of all sources cited and any additional resources used by the student during the presentation. Teachers must ensure that their students are appropriately prepared for the demands of this task through the careful planning and delivery of the “exploring world theatre traditions” syllabus area. It is particularly important to ensure that the students have had experience of carrying out academic and practical exploration of at least one other world theatre tradition or practice prior to undertaking this assessment task.
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Choosing your tradition
You must choose one tradition and practically explore it, focusing on ONE convention.
Click here to see the list of your choices for World Theatre research.
This convention must relate to one or more of the following elements:
Body
Face
Gesture
Movement
Voice
Broad overview of the project
Once you have chosen one of the traditions above, you must:
Conduct extensive research, from a range of sources (i.e. at least 7 sources, mix of books, websites, videos)
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Choose one convention from this tradition that relates to one or more of: gesture; face; body; movement; voice. A convention is a characteristic of a performance style that many (if not all) plays of this style feature. Usually, a convention is unique to that style, or at the least “gives away” the style to an educated eye. It does not change over time.
Focus your research on this one convention.
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Conduct a series of practical explorations (either on your own or with others) that enable you to try out your chosen convention.
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After each practical session, receive critical feedback from your mentor and/or classmates. Take notes about the feedback you received and how you will adjust as a result.
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Choose one moment of theatre. This may be from a play written for the theatre tradition you chose, a play from another theatre style, or your own work. You will apply your convention to this moment of theatre, you will EXPLAIN how you are EXPERIMENTING with your convention as you do your performance.
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Create a presentation that you will give to the class. This presentation will be a maximum of 15 minutes, and will be recorded on video. (Videos may/should be recorded in three parts, not all at once.)
The presentation must include:
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Your knowledge of the theatre tradition and chosen convention, using your extensive research.
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The contexts in which the theatre tradition was created/performed.
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Verbal citation of your sources.
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DETAIL about how you have practically explored your chosen convention, and why you used these strategies/activities.
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Use of photos, videos and journal entries to support this section. Include difficulties faced, feedback received, and how the convention was used/has helped in working on your chosen moment of theatre.
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A physical demonstration to the class of how your chosen convention could be used in a traditional piece of theatre that comes from your chosen tradition. (This does not need to be a polished performance, and your energies should be focused on the application of your chosen convention.****Remember - your convention should relate to one or more of: gesture, face, body, movement, voice.)
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A reflection of how this research project has impacted you as a theatre student and performer.
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How has your practical exploration of the performance convention has contributed to your continuing development as a performer?
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How has your inquiry into the chosen theatre tradition has further developed their understanding of theatre in the world?
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Research Presentation Handbook by Kieran Burgess
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Sample Research Presentation
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Research Presentation RUBRIC - Updated October 2023
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