Seminar-Studies in Theatre (546-0-20)

Topic

History and Theory of Directing

Instructors

Dassia N. Posner
Music Communication Building 5-172
Office Hours: T 1-2:30 (drop-in); M and W afternoons (by appt.)

Meeting Info

Wirtz 240 Seminar Room 2: Tues 9:00AM - 12:20PM
Wirtz 235 Seminar Room 1: Tues 9:00AM - 11:00AM

Overview of class

This class examines the role of the stage director from historical, aesthetic, and practical points of view. We analyze the theatrical innovations of a variety of twentieth-century directors, including Stanislavsky, Richards, Kazan, Appia, Tairov, Meyerhold, Littlewood, Brecht, Schumann, Boal, Suzuki, Wolfe, Wilson, Taymor, Mnouchkine, Kaufman, and others. In each case, we consider the director in historical and artistic context, analyze their view of the theatre, and, when applicable, investigate how this view was applied in a specific production. Students engage in focused research projects on directors of their choice, experiment with production reconstruction, and approach theatre history from the perspective of performance analysis.

Registration Requirements

Priority registration for IPTD and MFA Directing students

Class Materials (Required)

All readings on Canvas. $1-25