Introduction to Theatrical Contexts and Research (160-2-21)

Topic

Jewish Humor on Stage

Instructors

Rebecca Turner

Meeting Info

Wirtz 240 Seminar Room 2: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This course serves as an introduction to Jewish theatre and performance through a comic lens. It explores the themes, construction, and artistry of Jewish humor on stage from late 19th-century Yiddish melodramas to 1940s stand-up comedy and contemporary Jewish plays and musicals. Alongside close readings of texts and performances, students will engage with key comic theorists to better understand the various forms of comedy and how/why they function within Jewish performance contexts. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of the aesthetics, forms, and content of Jewish humor on stage, how it reflects and critiques Jewish identity, and how it continues to serve as a central form of cultural expression across the globe.
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, attend at 1st class mand

Class Materials (Required)

All materials will be provided on Canvas. You may be required to see one performance. $26-50

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for Theatre Majors only.