Available online
Description
The programme opens with Word and Action (Dorset), a small theatre group specialising in improvised audience participation. The group is seen jointly working out the plot and parts of a short play ...based on the suggestions of a class of primary schoolchildren. In the studio, Susan Triesman briefly introduces the two theatre groups that are the subject of this programme. She explains that Cartoon Archetypical Slogan Theatre (CAST) carry an explicitly political message. CAST are seen rehearsing a political song and dance routine, after which Triesman comments on further extracts of their work. CAST perform a short extract from a play. In interview CAST'S founder, Roland Muldoon, describes the origin and style of the group. Further extract is performed: a satire on a Labour Party Conference. In interview, Muldoon explains why CAST continually change the content of their play and their own aims. Further political satire is performed. From the studio, Triesman describes the working methods and scope of Word and Action (Dorset). She explains the groups aims. Chris Fassnidge and Wendy Wharam of Word and Action (Dorset) talk about their aims and style. The group is seen introducing themselves to schoolchildren encountered in Sequence 1, and they begin to draw suggestions from the children as to what their play should be about. Fassnidge in interview explains why they involve audiences in this way. Horitz explains 'instant' theatre. Finally, we see the actual performance of this play, given by the group and children jointly.
The programme opens with Word and Action (Dorset), a small theatre group specialising in improvised audience participation. The group is seen jointly working out the plot and parts of a short play ...based on the suggestions of a class of primary schoolchildren. In the studio, Susan Triesman briefly introduces the two theatre groups that are the subject of this programme. She explains that Cartoon Archetypical Slogan Theatre (CAST) carry an explicitly political message. CAST are seen rehearsing a political song and dance routine, after which Triesman comments on further extracts of their work. CAST perform a short extract from a play. In interview CAST'S founder, Roland Muldoon, describes the origin and style of the group. Further extract is performed: a satire on a Labour Party Conference. In interview, Muldoon explains why CAST continually change the content of their play and their own aims. Further political satire is performed. From the studio, Triesman describes the working methods and scope of Word and Action (Dorset). She explains the groups aims. Chris Fassnidge and Wendy Wharam of Word and Action (Dorset) talk about their aims and style. The group is seen introducing themselves to schoolchildren encountered in Sequence 1, and they begin to draw suggestions from the children as to what their play should be about. Fassnidge in interview explains why they involve audiences in this way. Horitz explains 'instant' theatre. Finally, we see the actual performance of this play, given by the group and children jointly.
| Module code and title: | TAD292, Art and environment |
|---|---|
| Item code: | TAD292; 08 |
| First transmission date: | 18-08-1976 |
| Published: | 1976 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:25:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | John Selwyn Gilbert |
| Contributors: | Susan Trieseman; Roland Muldoon; Chris Fassnidge; Wendy Wharam; Tony Horitz |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Aims; CAST (Cartoon Archetypical Slogan Theatre); Community audiences; Dorset; Improvisation; Topical and political theatre; Word and Action |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72187 |
| Production number: | 00525_5216 |
| Videofinder number: | 1081 |
| Available to public: | no |
