Outline

Overview

This unit of study reflects on the issues and methods that constitute theatre history and its relationship to Performance Studies. We will consider the variety of source materials on which histories of performance are based and some of the genres of historical scholarship that are useful for historians. We will also study how descriptions and theorisations of creative practices from the past are influential in the work of contemporary theatre and performance practitioners.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Theatre and Performance Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 1000 level from PRFM including PRFM1601
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PRFM3602
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ian Maxwell, ian.maxwell@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Research analysis	Major assignment Your major task for this unit will involve the submission of a portfolio/essay, developed and submitted in stages in response to work undertaken in class and your own research.	70%	Multiple weeks	3500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Early feedback task The early feedback task for this unit will require students to access and to briefly report on data retrieved from AusStage, the digital database of Australian performance #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Aug 2025	500 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Archival analysis A short essay offering a comparative analysis of historical sources	30%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 Dec 2025	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Short essay: This assignment will require you to integrate information from lectures and readings to produce a concise written argument.
Doing Theatre History: This task will require you to learn how to enter data into an on-line archive, to conduct original research to develop data to enter, and to reflect on that process.
Case Study: This task will require to respond to a series of short prompts in order to demonstrate your understanding of key methodological aspects of performance history (and the performance of history/performance as history) in light of your experiences with Kinetic Energy.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Outstanding work, evidencing a sophisticated understanding of the concepts and practices being assesses
Distinction	75 - 84	Work which, while of a very high standard, evidences identifiable omissions or shortcomings
Credit	65 - 74	Work of significant merit, but not meeting the standards articulated in rubrics for assessment tasks
Pass	50 - 64	Work which evidences a satisfactory grasp of the concepts and practices being assessed
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties Text displayed in unit outlines: Late submission In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded. ------------ The following will display if you enter content into the late penalties field: However, a unit of study may prohibit late submission or exclude late penalties only if expressly stated below.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to unit. Preview of syllabus, learning activities and assessment tasks.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 01	Mapping the history of theatre and performance. Together we will share our knowledge of the sweep of theatre/performance history, both globally and in Australia.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	The History of Doing Theatre History. An overview of how historians have approached the particular problems—and opportunities—presented by live performance	Online class (1 hr)
Week 02	Brecht in Australia. One of the key things to think about in terms of the history of theatre and performance in Australia, is the relationship of those practices to events and ideas from elsewhere. Today we will explore some primary research on the reception of Brecht in Australia	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Your own history: the history and historiography of the University of Sydney Dramatic Society. Conventional theatre history—particularly in Australia—has marginalised the practice, experiences, and contributions of those making 'amateur' work.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 03	SUDS. Today we will all do some historical research centred on the Sydney University Dramatic Society	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	The theatre historian at work: The Archive We introduce one of the fundamental pillars of historical research: accessing archival sources	Online class (1 hr)
Week 04	Archive workshop/visit/appraisal	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Case study: Grotowski comes to Australia. In this lecture, we will introduce the class to a key—and more or less undocumented—event in Australian theatre history: two visits by the Polish theatre 'visionary' Jerzy Grotowski in 1974 and 1975	Online class (1 hr)
Week 05	Working the traditional archive. The Australian Grotowskians: Performance Syndicate.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	The Theatre Historian at work: gossip, anecdotes, oral histories and the question of evidence	Online class (1 hr)
Week 06	Working with non-traditional archival material. Case study: "Sergeant Snow White"	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Extending the Archive. Reconstructing a review from 1943.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 07	Working with traces: Prince Bettliegend	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	The Historian at work: building a data base	Online class (1 hr)
Week 08	AusStage Training	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Other narratives: Black performance and theatre	Online class (1 hr)
Week 09	Work on major project	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Traveling practice. In this class we will bring together the material we have dealt with throughout the semester to think about how practice 'arrives' in Australia.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 10	Work on major project	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Case study: Kinetic Energy Setting up the final weeks of the semester, we will look at the history of the Newtown-based company Kinetic Energy	Online class (1 hr)
Week 11	Workshopping with Kinetic Energy	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Creating performative historiography. How might history move into 'post-custodialism'? How might performance history be performed? How might performance constitute a way of doing history	Online class (1 hr)
Week 12	Workshop with Kinetic Energy	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	summary, reflections	Online class (1 hr)
Week 13	Final in-class assessment	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

You are required to attend the two hour tutorial each week. In those classes you will complete a significant amount of work that will contribute directly towards your assessment tasks.

Note that you must submit all assessments in order to complete the unit

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Most readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library’s reading list system Leganto, available on Canvas.

There will be additional material towards which we will direct you throughout the semester.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate a developing understanding of what is involved in doing theatre history.
LO2. demonstrate a developing knowledge of the principles, methods, standards, values and boundaries of doing theatre history.
LO3. demonstrate a developing capacity to critically appraise the possibilities and limitations of theatre history
LO4. show a developing understanding of the impact of past performance practices on present day theatre making.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time that this unit has been offered at second year, and it is the first time that Ian has worked with Laura to teach it. We are making the unit very practical: in addition to teaching you how to do historical research, and asking you to contribute to AusStage, the database of Australian performance, we will also be exploring the way in which performance, as a practice itself, can be a means of doing historical work,

Additional information

Towards the end of the semester you will be working with guest artists from the Newtown-based performance company Kinetic Energy. Look them up. Jepke Goudsmit, one of the artistic directors of the company (and who trained with Grotowski in the 1970s) is in the final stages of publishing a book documenting the company's history. As part of that process, she and her collaborators will be in residence in the Rex Cramphorn Studio at Theatre and Performance Studies, creating an installation that documents their history. We want to bring you into that process. Your final assessment task will involve a reflection and analysis of that experience.

One more note: the sequence of lessons as posted in the syllabus may change, as we are also in the process of scheduling some data-base training for you from the people who manage the AusStage on-line record of Australian performance. You will be using and contributing to that database in your major assignment. The training will take place during class-time, and we will let you know as soon as we know when that will take place.

Site visit guidelines

We are currently negotiating visits to archives, and will let you know when those visits are confirmed. They will take place during scheduled class-time, and invovle no costs to you.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PRFM2607: Performance Histories

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links