Special Topics in Advanced Theatre Studies (340-0-20)

Topic

Shakespeare: Text & Performance

Instructors

Peter J Civetta

Meeting Info

Wirtz Center STRUB: Fri 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Hey, did you know that William Shakespeare wrote some really good plays? For many people, that question might not actually be weird. Shakespeare has been built up for so many people, while feeling inaccessible for many. The goal of this class is bring the brilliance and fun of Shakespeare's plays to life. This course will explore Shakespeare's play from multiple vantagepoints. We will do detailed readings/analysis of the texts themselves to unlock the beauty of the language. Next, we will explore the history and period of the plays as a means of more deeply understanding their context. Finally, we will perform scenes/monologues from each play to help us learn from engaging with and embodying the texts. It will provide students with significant tools of play analysis while also foregrounding what can be learned through the rehearsal and performance of theatrical texts. We will (in general) cover a new play every two weeks: the first week will focus on understanding the text and raising additional analytical issues around the play or Shakespeare's life and times; the second week will pick up where we left off, but it will also include scene work performed by the class. My goals are for students to leave with a greater appreciation of Shakespeare's plays, a stronger ability to understand and analyze play texts, and an awakened ability to analyze and learn via our bodies as well as our minds.

Class Materials (Required)

Plays can be found online for free!