Theatre in Context: Analysis & Research (140-2-21)
Topic
17th Century Theatre Beyond Shakespeare
Instructors
Deon Jaquawn Custard
Meeting Info
Wirtz 230 Instruct Black Box 1: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
In an attempt to de-center Shakespeare as the be-all-end-all of 17th century writers, students will read his late work, that of his contemporaries, and the writing of the generation of theatre makers that follow them. Beginning with a selection of "problem plays" before entering increasingly unfamiliar territory, this course will explore the claims made at English cultural identity on either side of the Civil War and the closing of the theatres in 1642. Via discussion, collaboration, and a variety of written assignments students will work through comparative readings of plays from similar genres across distinct time periods, come to understand how the employment of a variety of stagecrafts and spectacle helped enhance Early Modern and Restoration storytelling, and fill in the seemingly-always-murky gap between the cultural moment that is SHAKESPEARE and whatever comes next. The course will culminate in a 6-8 page guided research assignment that will engage the collections at the Newberry Library, Chicago's performance history, and your personal views on the utility of 17th century drama.** Reading will almost certainly include The Tempest, The Winter's Tale, and Pericles by Shakespeare; Jonson's Bartholomew Fair; Cavendish's Convent of Pleasure; with selections from Dekker, Fletcher, Behn, Congreve and others. In an attempt to de-center Shakespeare as the be-all-end-all of 17th century writers, students will read his late work, that of his contemporaries, and the writing of the generation of theatre makers that follow them. Beginning with a selection of "problem plays" before entering increasingly unfamiliar territory, this course will explore the claims made at English cultural identity on either side of the Civil War and the closing of the theatres in 1642. Via discussion, collaboration, and a variety of written assignments students will work through comparative readings of plays from similar genres across distinct time periods, come to understand how the employment of a variety of stagecrafts and spectacle helped enhance Early Modern and Restoration storytelling, and fill in the seemingly-always-murky gap between the cultural moment that is SHAKESPEARE and whatever comes next. The course will culminate in a 6-8 page guided research assignment that will engage the collections at the Newberry Library, Chicago's performance history, and your personal views on the utility of 17th century drama.** Reading will almost certainly include The Tempest, The Winter's Tale, and Pericles by Shakespeare; Jonson's Bartholomew Fair; Cavendish's Convent of Pleasure; with selections from Dekker, Fletcher, Behn, Congreve and others.
Registration Requirements
First year Theatre majors only
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for Theatre Majors only.