Introduction to Theatrical Contexts and Research (160-2-23)

Topic

Intro to Black Queer Theatre

Instructors

Jordan Chloë Jackson

Meeting Info

Wirtz 240 Seminar Room 2: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

What is Black Queer Theatre? Why is it important? What does Black Queer Theatre reflect about actual Black and Queer lives? How might Black Queer Theatre serve as a life-saving force as LGBTQIA+ people of color in particular are being systemically targeted by government forces? In this class, we will explore multiple Black Queer theatrical productions from the late 20th century to the modern day in pursuit of answers to these questions and so many more. Students will be introduced to some of the central plays, musicals, novels, authors, collectives, and communities that helped frame the modern Black Queer theatre landscape. Additionally, we will contend with the sociopolitical, historical, environmental, and structural forces that led these artists to build the Black Queer performance world as we know it today. Using a cross-temporal approach, the course takes up an investment in considering how the Black Queer past is constantly shaping our present and consequently our futures. Understanding that intersectional oppressions on marginalized bodies necessarily influence their creative work and individual lives, this course traverses the fields of performance studies, queer theory, Black studies, and theatre, among others. By the conclusion of the course, I hope that students gain broad-sweeping knowledge not only about Black Queer theatre and performance but also Black Queer embodied life outside theatrical contexts, the sociocultural and historical influences that guide it, and how those influences are still impacting us today. Most importantly, this class intends to center Black Queer voices on stage and off as intellectual, artistic, and individual sources of inspiration that might teach us how to both live good lives in the wake of abject terror and imagine a future in which we not only survive but thrive.

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)

There are no materials that need to be purchased explicitly for the purposes of this course. It would be helpful for you to have consistent access to a working computer or tablet so that you can view the screenings of plays and musicals that will be shared via Canvas. No purchases will be required to see any performance screenings. Additionally, all readings will be uploaded directly to Canvas. Access copies of all readings, in the form of readable PDFs and printed iterations of every course material, will also be provided to students. If there are any materials that a student finds they may need for a course but they do not have access to, feel free to contact the professor, Chloë Jackson, directly. They are committed to ensuring that every student has the resources and materials they need to enjoy this course to the fullest possible extent. No cost

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for Theatre Majors only.