Bridging the areas of both film and theatre, the course aims to explore the complex dynamic of exchange involved in the process of adapting plays into films. After an initial consideration of theatre and cinema as distinct forms of representation with their own specific techniques and conventions, the course proceeds to a close analysis of a number of cinematic adaptations of canonical plays. Among the text to be studied will be: Oedipus, Macbeth, Woyzeck, Uncle Vanya, Marat/Sade and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.

In successfully completing the course students will have acquired:

1. A detailed understanding of the similarities and the differences between cinema and theatre.

2. A working knowledge of the Western theatrical tradition and its conventions.

3. The necessary skills to analyse the performative dimension of theatrical and filmic texts.

4. An insight into the process of adaptation.

Two 2000 word essays (2 x 35%) (outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4). Written tutorial exercises (1000 words total) (20%) (outcomes 2, 3). Workshop participation, assessed weekly (10%) (outcomes 2,3).

One 3 hour session per week comprising a lecture followed by a film screening; one 1.5-hour tutorial/workshop per week.  Students are also required to spend up to 5 hours per week reading plays and preparing for the workshop session.

Students will be assumed to have a basic knowledge of textual and film analysis plus some familiarity with theatrical history and conventions.

Students taking the course towards a Film and New Media major should have completed FILM1002.

Students taking the course as an elective should have at least 12 credit points at first year level.