Theatre in Context: Analysis & Research (140-2-20)

Topic

British Theatre & Empire

Instructors

Alex John Baines

Meeting Info

Wirtz 225 Instruct Black Box 2: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

From the opening ceremony at the London Olympics in 2012 to Netflix television show Bridgerton, Britain's imperial past is constantly being re-examined, renegotiated and (re)presented across all kinds of performance genres. This course focuses on the role of British theatre in these contested, dynamic processes. We will not only look at plays, playwrights, and performances that have taken empire as their subject matter, but also at how imperial structures and legacies have shaped the production of British theatrical practice and its dissemination across the globe. Various questions will resurface throughout the course: - How has empire been represented - or obscured - in British playwriting? - How has British theatrical practice been exported and received around the world? - How has the British theatrical canon been reassessed and reclaimed in postcolonial spaces?

Like all Theatre 140-2 courses, this class introduces students to university-level research paper writing that incorporates performance analysis and secondary sources. The course mixes lectures, discussion, and writing to explore methods for writing and thinking critically about theatre and its production.

Class Materials (Required)

None

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for Theatre Majors only.