UC Spark

Associate Professor Peter Falkenberg

School of Theatre and Film Studies

Fields of Research

  • Film history, theory and practice
  • Fin de Siecle drama
  • German film
  • Theatricality in film
  • Twentieth century theatre theory and practice
  • Earthquake research

Researcher Summary

Works in progress include:  Faustus (May 2010) and Bring me the Head of Curt Cobain – both multimedia theatre projects in collaboration with German playwright/filmmaker, Werner Fritsch.  These continue my long-standing investigations into the hybridic possibilities of theatre and film, into acting in theatre and/as in life, and into the relationship between desire and freedom.

Subject Area: Disciplines

Research Groups

Key Methodologies

  • Film history, theory and practice
  • Performance Research
  • Theatre history, theory and practice

Equipment

Affiliations

Prizes and Awards

  • Best Production Design, Wellington Fringe: Faust Chroma. There were 33 productions competing for this award. (2009)
  • Best Theatre, Dunedin Fringe: Ella & Susn. There were more than 40 entries for this award. (2009)
  • Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards 2009: Nomination for Montana Award for Most Original Production of the Year (Wellington). This is the most prestigious national theatre award in New Zealand. Faust Chroma was singled out from more than 100 eligible productions. (2009)
  • Best Theatre, Dunedin Fringe Festival: Faust Chroma. There were more than 40 entries for this award. (2008)
  • Nomination for Best Production Design, Dunedin Fringe Festival: Faust Chroma. There were more than 40 entries for this award. (2008)

Research Service

  • Member, Centre for Fine Arts, Music & Theatre Postgraduate Committee (2009-present)
  • Organiser, annual Theatre & Film Studies Postgraduate Seminar Series (2008-present)
  • Co-founder and Director of Te Puna Toi (since 2001). (2001-present)
  • Founder & Artistic Director, Free Theatre (Christchurch) (1982-present)

Publications


  • Falkenberg, P. (2012) Bluebeard's Castle. Platform Festival, Christchurch, New Zealand, 9-13 Oct 2012. [Intermedial theatre production. Devised and directed]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2012) Hereafter, by Werner Fritsch. Free Theatre at The Tannery, Christchurch, New Zealand, 22 Feb-3 Mar 2012. [Translated, Adapted & Directed]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2012) I sing the body electric. The Free Theatre Company at the Jack Mann Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand, 19 Jun-1 Jul 2012. [Intermedial Theatre Production. Devised and Directed]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2011) Passion, Pulse, and Power. Free Theatre at Jack Mann Auditorium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 8-10 Dec 2011. [Devised & Directed]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. and Gough, R. (2011) The Earthquake in Chile; based on the story by Heinrich von Kleist. St Mary's Church Square, Addington, Christchurch, New Zealand, 14-16 Oct 2011. [Devised & Directed]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2010) Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. Free Theatre at the University Theatre, College of Arts, Platform Festival, Christchurch, New Zealand, 20-29 May 2010. [Directed]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2010) Distraction Camp. BATS Theatre, Wellington, New Zealand, 31 Aug-11 Sep 2010. [Devised & Directed]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. and Brejzek, T. (2010) Post-performance (Dr Faustus) talk-back with Professor (Dr) Thea Brejzek, Zurich University of the Arts. University Theatre, Arts Centre, Christchurch: Christopher Marlowe's Dr Faustus (Free Theatre, Platform Arts Festival), 28 May 2010. (Oral Presentation)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2010) Post-performance talk-back (Distraction Camp) with ensemble. BATS Theatre, Wellington, New Zealand: Distraction Camp, 2 Sep 2010. (Oral Presentation)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2010) The Marvellous Corricks. Live and filmed performances by Free Theatre. Great Hall, Arts Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand, 16 Apr 2010. [Devised & Directed]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2010) The Theatre as Counterpublic: From The Balcony to Distraction Camp. York University and Ontario College of Art & Design, Toronto, Canada: Psi 16, Performing Publics, 9-13 Jun 2010. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2009) Distraction Camp; a Free Theatre production. University Theatre, Christchurch, 27 Nov-6 Dec 2009; BATS Theatre, Wellington, 31 Aug-11 Sep 2010. Premiere: University Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand, 27 Nov-6 Dec 2009. [Directed]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2009) Ella; Susn (Two Plays by Herbert Achternbusch). A Free Theatre Christchurch production, translated & directed by Peter Falkenberg.. Globe Theatre, 1-4 April 2009. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2009) Faust Chroma (Translator and director). Centrepoint Theatre, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 18-21 Feb 2009. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2009) Faust Chroma (Translator and director). In Wellington Fringe Festival. Gryphon Theatre, Wellington, New Zealand, 11-14 Feb 2009. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2009) Nico: I'll Be Your Mirror. Zagreb, Croatia: Performance Studies International Conference 15 (PSI15), 24-28 Jun 2009. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2009) Remake (Devised and directed). Christchurch Free Theatre. [Premiered 8 Nov 2009 at Christchurch Art Gallery]. 153 mins. (Film/Video)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2008) Enigma: Emmy Goering. A Free Theatre Christchurch production translated and directed by Peter Falkenberg. Allen Hall Theatre, Dunedin, New Zealand, 1-2 Jul 2008. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2008) Enigma: Emmy Goering. A Free Theatre Christchurch production translated and directed by Peter Falkenberg. In Fritsch Fest. Nibelheim, Christchurch Arts Centre, New Zealand, 26 Mar-2 April 2008. [Theatre]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2008) Faust Chroma. A Free Theatre Christchurch production translated and directed by Peter Falkenberg. In Dunedin Fringe Festival. Mary Hopewell Theatre, Dunedin, 7-10 Apr 2008. [Theatre]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2008) Faust Chroma. A Free Theatre Christchurch production translated and directed by Peter Falkenberg. In Platform Arts Festival. University Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand, 23-25, 29-31 May 2008. [Theatre]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2008) Faust Chroma: a Free Theatre production. Fritsch Fest, University Theatre, Christchurch, 26 Mar-4 Apr 2008; Dunedin Fringe Festival, Mary Hopewell Theatre, Dunedin, 7-10 Apr 2008; Platform Arts Festival, University Theatre, Christchurch, 23-31 May 2008; Wellington Fringe Festival, Gryphon Theatre, Wellington, 11-14 Feb 2009; Centrepoint Theatre, Palmerston North, 18-21 Feb 2009. Premiere: University Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand, 26 May -4 Apr 2008. [Translated & Directed]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2008) Nico: Sphinx of Ice. A Free Theatre Christchurch production translated and directed by Peter Falkenberg. Allen Hall Theatre, Dunedin, New Zealand, 1-2 Jul 2008. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2008) Nico: Sphinx of Ice. A Free Theatre Christchurch production translated and directed by Peter Falkenberg. A High Street Project event. Media Club, Christchurch, New Zealand, 21 Nov 2008. [Theatre]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2008) Nico: Sphinx of Ice. A Free Theatre Christchurch production translated and directed by Peter Falkenberg. In Fritsch Fest. Nibelheim, Christchurch, New Zealand, 26 Mar-2 Apr 2008. [Theatre]. (Performance)
  • Mazer, S. and Falkenberg, P. (2008) Where We Stand Now: Theory and Practice, Theatre and Film at the University of Canterbury. Dunedin, New Zealand: Australasian Association for Theatre, Drama and Performance Studies Annual Conference 2008 (ADSA), 30 Jun-3 Jul 2008. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2007) Diana Down Under (Devised and Directed). Free Theatre Christchurch, 25 Aug-8 Sep 2007. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2007) Faust Feast (Devised and Directed). Free Theatre Christchurch, 18-20 Oct 2007. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2007) Murder Equals Art: An Intervention. Phoenix, AZ, USA: American Society for Theatre Research (ASTR)/Theatre Library Association (TLA) Conference: Intervening "America", 15-18 Nov 2007. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2007) Nothing Ever Happens Here. New York, NY, USA: Performance Studies International #13: Happening/Performance/Event, 8-11 Nov 2007. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2007) Theatre of Unease. In M. Maufort and D. O'Donnell (Ed.), Performing Aotearoa: New Zealand Theatre and Drama in an Age of Transition: 293-306. Bruxelles: P.I.E. Peter Lang. (Chapter in Book)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2006) Fantasia (Devised and directed). Old Queen's Theatre, Christchurch, 12, 14, 17-19 and 23-26 Aug 2006. [multi-media theatrical performance]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2006) Philoctetes (Adapted and directed). Free Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand, 12-15 Oct 2006. [theatrical performance]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2006) Visions for Christchurch theatre and what it will take to realise them. Court Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand: The Feast of New Theatre Forum, 8 Jul 2006. (Oral Presentation)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2005) Ensemble Theatre Roundtable. Brown University, Providence, RI, USA: Becoming Uncomfortable (Performance Studies International), 31 Mar-3 Apr 2005. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Falkenberg, P. (author/director). (2005) Fantasia. Free Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand, 20-22 Oct 2005. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2005) Fear of Flying (Samson Airline). Centre for Performance Research, Aberystwyth, UK: Towards Tomorrow?, 6-9 Apr 2005. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2005) Why Devise, Why Now? Why New Zealand? Theatre Topics 15(1): 39-40. (Journal Article)
  • Falkenberg, P. [Producer]. (2004) "Achternbusch in the Antipodes" - a series of talks, film screenings, and performances centred on the work of Herbert Achternbusch and related artists (including Karl Valentin, Alexander Kluge and Werner Herzog). (Other)
  • Falkenberg, P. [Director]. (2004) Grimms' "Sleeping Beauty" - a devised work based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale 'Briar Rose'. Free Theatre, Christchurch, 14-17 Oct 2004. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. and Chalmers, J. (2004) Perform: State: Interrogate. Singapore: Perform: State: Interrogate (Performance Studies International, PSi#10), Jun 2004. (Conference Contribution - Other)
  • Falkenberg, P. (2004) Theatrical Production of New Zealand Identity through Image and Voice. Wellington: Australasian Drama Studies Association, Jul 2004. (Conference Contribution - Other)
  • Falkenberg, P. [Director. and Translator]. (2004) Three plays by Achternbusch: "Ella", "Susn" and "My Epitaph". Free Theatre, Christchurch, 26 Mar-3 Apr 2004. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P. [Director. and Translator]. (2004) Two plays by Achternbusch: "Ella" and "Susn". Free Theatre, Wellington, 1-3 Jul 2004. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P.F.S. (2003) Global Academic Culture. Christchurch, New Zealand: Performance Studies International, Apr 2003. (Conference Contribution - Other)
  • Falkenberg, P. and Mazer, S. (2002) Field Station, New Zealand: Environment/Performance. New York University, NY, USA: Performance Studies International, Mar 2002. (Conference Contribution - Other)
  • Falkenberg, P.F.S. (2002) Samson Airline. Free Theatre, Christchurch Arts Festival, Christchurch, 12-23 Nov 2002. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P.F.S. (2001) Footprints/Tapuwae. A bicultural opera based on Wagner's Ring cycle. (with Co-author/Co-director Taiporouru Huata). 16-24 November. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg,P. (2001) Manoeuvres and Playstations: The Last Days of Mankind. Chicago, IL, USA: Association for Theatre in Higher Education, August, 2001. (Conference Contribution - Other)
  • Falkenberg,P. (2000) (2000, November 10-12). "Last Days of Mankind" - based on the text by Karl Kraus (translation, Peter Falkenberg). Free Theatre, Christchurch. [author/director].. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg,P. (2000) (2000. February 2). "Dionysos ist ein DJ: Die Bakchen Neu Interpretiert." Mainz, Germany: Institut für Theaterwissenschaft, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität. [Public Talk]. (Oral Presentation)
  • Falkenberg, P.F.S. (2000) Lacking desire/making drama: the theatrical meets the prosaic in a post-puritanical world.. Degrés 101(Spring 2000): 1-19. (Journal Article)
  • Falkenberg,P. (2000) Raving in Greek. Washington, DC, USA: Association for Theatre in Higher Education, August, 2000. (Conference Contribution - Other)
  • Falkenberg, P.F.S. (1999) Bakkhai/Diotekk (Euripides, translated by Robin Bond). [Director]. 3-6 November. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P.F.S. (1999) Krapp's Last Tape by Samuel Beckett.. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P.F.S. (1998) (1998, December 1-5). "Murderer Hope of Women" by Oskar Kokoschka. Free Theatre, Christchurch. [Director]. Christchurch, 1998. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P.F.S. (1998) (1998, December 1-5). "The Philosopher's Stone" by Antonin Artaud. Free Theatre, Christchurch. [Director]. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg, P.F.S. (1998) (1998, June 30-July 2). "Crusoe: A Lapsarian Mass in Twelve Movements". Free Theatre. Hamilton: FUEL Festival. [Author/Director].. (Performance)
  • Falkenberg,P. (1998) Lacking Desire: Making Theatre of Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. Waikato University, Hamilton, NZ: Australasian Drama Studies Association, 1998. (Conference Contribution - Other)
  • Falkenberg,P. (1998) Lacking Drama, Making Theatre: Why Can't Robinson Crusoe play? The University of Kent, Canterbury, UK: International Federation of Theatre Researchers, Quadrennial World Congress, 1998. (Conference Contribution - Other)