Australian Theatre

YEAR 11/12 DRAMA watch?v=MgRjB8PEDkM watch?v=MgRjB8PEDkM STEREOTYPICAL AUSSIE??? -SAFE ENVIRONMENT -RESPECT -REFERENCING -PLAGERISM -DUE DATES -FORMATIVE/ SUMMATIVE -EXPECTATIONS -YEAR PLAN; AUSTRALIAN/ INDIGENOUS THEATRE THEATRE OF THE OPPRESSED BRECHTIAN THEATRE YOUR OWN CREATION -ARTS EVENING/ EISTEDDFOID/ OPEN DAY -PERFORMANCES

WHAT TO EXPECT---- DVD CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIAN THEATRE

An overview Australia’s first English settlers sought to reproduce the theatre they had left behind when they arrived her in the late eighteenth century. Australia was established as a convict settlement- conditions were vastly different.

Australian Theatre- Overview First play held in 1789 in a small mud hut. At the time Restoration comedy was popular in England. Restoration comedy was based on the manners and lifestyle of the aristocracy/ rich people.

CONVICT THEATRE During the 1800’s, convicts engaged in acting and staging many plays- received much opposition. Drama was considered to enjoyable for convicts. Much of Drama was from England. Few Australian plays were being written; ‘The Bushrangers’ Plays: Convict conditions, bushrangers and so on were not allowed t be performed as it would cause an uprising legislation was passed declaring plays had to met certain conditions before they could be performed Sydney Theatre Royal opened- imitate English Theatre- proscenium arch- theatre poorly organised.

GOLD RUSHES OF THE 1850’S Gold discovered in 1850’s causing a rush of people to arrive, search for gold and make their fortune. Increase in theatre attendance. More theatres built. American performers: J.C. Williamson

Australian Theatre: A slow acceptance Radio developed in 1920’s, quiz shows, radio plays (serials and drama) developed with unique Aussie FLAVOUR. Ray Lawler's play ‘Summer of the Seventeenth Doll’ was a great success critically and with audiences. It was a realistic play about two North QLD cane cutters, Barney and Roo who came down to Melbourne where they meet and develop relationships with Nancy and Olive. Changed Aust’ Theatre- giving permissions for Australians to support their own culture- rather than American or English dawn of television in Australia meant that actors, directors and writers had a new avenue for their work. 1950’s NIDA was established (National Institute of Dramatic Art) it impacted training of actors and directors. mL7w mL7w _XEuNms

The Sixties Life was moving rapidly during the 1960’s- it was a time of great change and upheaval. Experimentation- in drama world and Australia. Alternative theatre- little money, innovation and experimentation. New playwrights emerged: John Romeril, Jack Hibbard, David Williamson. By the seventies every state had its own theatre company and received government subsidies.

Questions 1.When the English arrived in Australia, what type of theatre did they set up? 2.What role did convicts play in the early theatre? 3.Why was David Burn’s play ‘The Bushranger’ not allowed to be performed? 4.Describe Sydney’s Theatre Royal when it first opened? 5.What was the impact of the Gold Rushes on Australian Theatre? 6.How did J.C. Williamson change Australian pLAYS? 7.What was the effect this had on Australian theatre and plays? 8.Explain what the Australian Elizabethan Trust achieved. 9. Describe the impact of the ‘Summer of the Seventeenth Doll’ 10. List all the live theatre experiences you have had, Are they Australian or from overseas? 11. Do you think Australians still compare the locals with overseas stars? 12. Do you think Australian theatre, television, music and art is as good as overseas products? Explain? 13. In your mind, how would you describe ‘ Australian Culture’ or tradition? Is there such a thing? Explain your opinion.

INDIGENIOUS AUST THEATRE CONVENTIONS Storytelling Monologue Dramatic recount Comedy and song Western perspectives challenge Human Context. Themes of Grief and Loss