Adaptation - Toolbox WSL/RTL/ASKzN-Z

The aim of the course is to introduce students to specific tools from the dramaturg’s workshop — the key dramaturgical techniques, methods, devices, and strategies. The catalogue of presented and practically applied techniques serves as a vademecum for the director-dramaturg and the director-adaptor. Classes are organized into thematic modules, each devoted to a specific technique.
Additionally, one module addresses the basic legal aspects of a director’s work with a literary text, with particular emphasis on working with another author’s material. Its goal is to equip students with the ability to identify and understand the legal frameworks governing the literary stage of dramaturgical work. This part provides knowledge about which analytical and adaptive strategies are legally permissible, and which interpretive or adaptive interventions require formal legal consent.
Throughout the course, each student becomes familiar with several dozen dramaturgical tools. Classes follow a structured format:
Defining the main and specific objectives, discussing the topic, tasks, and selected text.
Presentation of selected dramaturgical tools with examples and exercises using them.
Reading and interpretation of selected texts.
Dramaturgical analysis: examination of the text, its literary, social, ideological, and historical contexts; analysis of structure and plot; discussion and interpretation of literary themes.
Planning dramaturgical and adaptive work based on chosen scenes and characters; developing the dramaturgy of a selected fragment; outlining the concept and analyzing its main premises.
Discussion and evaluation of concepts; formulation of the student’s principal dramaturgical assumptions and main stage message.
In-depth dramaturgical and character analysis — including motivations, circumstances, and objectives; psychological and social analysis; development of character relationships, adaptation message, aesthetic and stylistic characteristics, and precise stage communication.
Practical exercises develop understanding of dramaturgical methods of scene construction, selection and elimination of expressive means, planning of theatrical metaphor, and stages of dramaturgical preparation of a script or director’s text. A key goal is mastering the ability to translate theoretical ideas into practical, theatrical form and to bring creative plans to completion.
Group classes emphasize the conscious and skillful use of dramaturgical tools within introductory directing practice and the preparation of the director’s working script.