Introduction to Theatrical Contexts and Research (160-2-22)

Topic

Medieval Drama & Its Afterlive

Instructors

Phoenix Catherine Gonzalez

Meeting Info

Wirtz 235 Seminar Room 1: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

From Game of Thrones to the latest installment in the Tolkien universe—Rings of Power—to "Greedy Peasant" on TikTok, the medieval past asserts its presence today across diverse performance genres. This course uses medieval drama to think through our contemporary fascination with the medieval past. Each week, we will read a play written either in the Middle Ages or its 21st century reinterpretation. From tenth century Hrotsvit of Gandersheim's play Dulcitius to the very recent response to this play, The Collision / The Martyrdom, and from Everyman to Everybody, among other play pairings, we will think about the historical context of the plays originally and in their present iterations. Whether in the U.S. or across the globe, each reinterpretation negotiates the space between the medieval past and the present, illuminating the complex history of the play activated in each performance context. As we read, we will ask of these plays: Who is the play's intended audience? What and how do they communicate with this audience? Who is featured and who is left out? And, in the process, what does "medieval" mean in theatre today?

This class equips students with critical modes of thinking about theatre as an academic discipline and practice. It features a range of analytical skills and critical approaches for play and performance analysis, incorporating aspects of theatre history, historiography, and performance theory. Through class discussions, readings, study of plays and performances, creative responses, and written assignments students will develop their analytical skills and learn to craft research papers in a guided process.

Registration Requirements

First year Theatre majors only

Class Materials (Required)

All reading materials will be provided on Canvas - No cost