Storyteller: Counter Narratives and Community Performance

Teaching Responsibility

LJMU Schools involved in Delivery:

LJMU Partner Taught

Learning Methods

Lecture

Practical

Seminar

Workshop

Module Offerings

5603ATCD-SEP-PAR

Aims

The module centres on two key areas:

- A deep exploration of the concept ‘self and other’ and its influence on contemporary British society. Students will engage with a range of critical perspectives that seek to explain, contest or affect perceptions of ‘difference’ in a globalised world. They will be encouraged to formulate their own analysis and critical response to a range of stimuli and thereby develop a considered position as a foundation for practical work with ‘marginalised’ groups.

- A practical project in which students utilise their facilitation, devising and performance skills working with a participant group to create a performance that offers a counter-narrative to mainstream versions of a specific community’s history and/or identity.

Learning Outcomes

Apply a critical understanding of the notion of ‘self and other’ and associated concepts, such as decolonisation and diversity, to the perception of difference in contemporary society.

Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and critical awareness of the key concepts such as Counter-Narrative, Oral Testimony and Space, Place and Identity.

Apply a practical understanding of theory and technique pertinent to the practice of devising a Community Play/Performance.

Utilise appropriate techniques and strategies to improve/develop participant’s performance confidence and ability.

Demonstrate an ability to manage themselves, drawing on a conscious use of self in working with others and in leading or participating in teams.

Module Content

Outline Syllabus:
Unit 1: Intersecting Worlds

The initial part of the module will be characterised by a series of lecture/workshops and documentary viewings that engage with a number of key concepts which may include:
• Colonialism / Decolonisation
• Cultural Imperialism
• Globalisation
• Nationalism
• Neo-liberalism
• Feminism
• Identity Politics
• Inter/Mono/Multi - culturalism

Each student will develop a 3,000 word essay in response to themes explored in the unit.

Unit 2: Community Performance as Counter Narrative

The initial phase of the unit will be characterised by a consideration of the concepts of Space, Place and Identity and their bearing on the notion of ‘Community’. The relationship between dominant and alternatives histories will also be explored, with particular emphasis being given to the role of oral tradition (spoken, acted or sung) as a repository of community identity and a potential counter-narrative to mainstream perception. In parallel practical workshops will develop skills research as a basis for devising community performance and a range of theatrical models for such work will be explored.

Thereafter students will split into small teams to work with groups from a specific community to create short performances utilising the methods studied above. The Module Leader will oversee a process during which each team will co-ordinate the development of their piece within an overall narrative for the final event. This event will take place in a community space.

Module Overview:
This module continues the exploration of the power of story begun at Level 4 but now expands its focus to the presence of dominant and counter narratives in contemporary culture. Central to this is the concept of responsible story telling, recognising the power of narrative to shape perceptions of space, place and identity and the responsibility this places on facilitators when working in community contexts. The project culminates in a large scale community performance exploring a hidden history or the untold stories of the people that live there.

Course Catalogue