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Introduction to African-American Drama (259-0-20)

Instructors

Oladotun Babatope Ayobade

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

What is African-American theater? And what does its history tell us about the struggle to articulate radical black Freedom dreams at different points in time? This course will explore black theater and theatre making from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century. As a class we will excavate how the stage (and performance more broadly) have provided avenues of both radical and quotidian expression for black American subjects during this time period. From the early dramas of abolitionists to the revolutionary theater makers of the early 20th century, black theatre has always provided a critical ground to challenge the terms of personhood, subjecthood and citizenship for black people in the US. In this course we will combine critical theory with historical analysis, literary close reading, and archival studies to attempt to define, explore, and understand the critical work of black theater making. The objectives of the course are to give an introduction to the strategies and breadth of African American theatre and performance. The syllabus is designed for an advanced undergraduate major, with preference for enrollment given to theatre majors, juniors and seniors, although all students are welcome to enroll.

Class Attributes

Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area