Puppetry and Object Theatre (DRA2042)

30 credits

You will develop practical performance skills in animation and performance of puppets and objects and will collaborate to create short performance pieces using performing objects. The module will explore performance practices from diverse global contexts and be informed by approaches, techniques and practices in a range of cultures, considering the place of puppetry and object theatre as a ritual, cultural and dynamic cultural form in relationship with its society. The term performing object will include the animation and performance of material, including both fully constructed and completed puppets, and also raw material such as mud, paint, water, fabric etc. The module will include performance examples and approaches by puppeteers from the global majority and the performance work will address questions of how performing objects enable communities to challenge hegemonic and dominant cultural narratives, including those related to race, ethnicity, gender and identity.