Theoretical and practical analysis of play scripts from a theatrical perspective. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of structure, genre, theme, style, character, language, dramatic event, and point of view of the actor, director, critic, and audience. Develops beginner dramaturgy skills and hermeneutical approaches to reading scripts.
Foundational perspectives in dramaturgy, the course takes an introductory approach to reading play scripts, utilizing Aristotle’s basic elements of drama (plot, theme, character, dialogue, rhythm, spectacle) as well as modern elements (convention, genre, and audience). It provides an introduction to line-by-line analysis of the dialogue and the idea of French scenes.
Script analysis can be described as the “hermeneutics” of the play. Students who study script analysis will learn to have a deeper appreciate for every drama they study, including the greatest drama: the story of Christ. In a time when Christian performances (particularly films) are mocked as “cheesy,” script analysis and dramaturgy skills will aid the student practitioner in producing a good, solid work that holds up to secular scrutiny.
Script analysis is analogous to hermeneutics. For this reason, the entire Bible will serve as the ultimate example of script analysis. The Bible is not a collection of stories, but rather, the Bible is a living drama, complete with plot, theme, characters, dialogue, rhythm, and spectacle. The more we study the Bible, the more we understand it. The same principle applies to script analysis. By studying a script intently, we are not merely learning about the play; we are actually learning about the playwright.
The course will provide the student practitioner with the skills to see everything in terms of script analysis/hermeneutics, even people. Everyone has a story. Missionaries and evangelists will be able to examine every encounter with the lost as a slice of dramatic action which will aid them in becoming all things to all men that they might by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
The course is essentially a study in theatrical hermeneutics. Because exegesis is primarily concerned with context, this course will expose the student to the idea of interpreting dramatic play scripts exegetically
Exegesis of play scripts includes consideration for the cultural context in which they take place, including the motives behind every word spoken. Students will learn to interpret a play and adapt it for various audiences. Furthermore, this course will act as a prerequisite for playwriting skills, which students will have in mind when authoring plays for various audiences.
Christian drama and films are often panned by critics. Time spent in serious study of the play will also enable students to produce a quality production that will earn the respect of critics by giving students practical skills to produce good work.
Theatre arts, by nature and definition, is an experiential medium. Students will be equipped to take the lessons learned from the course and apply them directly in their church or missionary assignments.
