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

Instructors

Raunak Ghosh

Meeting Info

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

Overview of class

This course begins from two etymological resonances. Theatre and theory share a linguistic origin in Greek—theoria, meaning to look at, to contemplate—and the word queer comes from the Latin word torquere—which means to twist. With this in mind, this course will guide students through a theoretical excavation of queerness, performance, and subject formation. What does it mean to study queer performance, whether in theatre, popular culture, or daily life? How does queerness twist, disrupt, and reimagine what performance can do? Thinking critically across the works of artists such as Peggy Shaw, Nao Bustamante, Tony Kushner, Valerie Solanas, Nicki Minaj, and Cole Escola, we will look at processes of identity formation and expression and ultimately analyse queerness in theatrical and performative texts that draw upon other axes of social difference including class, race, ability, and citizenship. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of the forms and aesthetics of queerness on stage, and how it critiques majoritarian ways of being.

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.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for Theatre Majors only.