This course will serve as an introduction to a wide range of movies which have been adapted from stage drama and musical theatre, starting with Shakespeare’s plays and ranging across the output of a variety of the 20th century’s greatest dramatists. By analysing and comparing a selection of clips, we explore how and why movie studios, directors and writers - primarily in Britain and America - have used theatrical works and musicals as the source and inspiration for so many films since the earliest days of cinema.
Course aim
To introduce students to a range of movies from across the decades which have been adapted from stage plays and musicals.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Identify a range of movies across different genres based on theatrical works.
- Analyse how the differences between the mediums of film and theatre affect the process of adaptation.
- Recognise the main issues facing film makers when turning theatrical works into screenplays.
- Interpret how faithfully certain films have adapted the original theatrical material they were based on
What else do I need to know?
You do not need to bring anything.
View full course information sheet
