Introduction to Theatrical Contexts and Research (160-2-26)

Topic

Performing the More-than-Human

Instructors

Jooyoung Cho

Meeting Info

University Library 4722: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

What can theatre and performance do in an age of the "triple planetary crisis" (climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution)? How might they help us rethink our ethical relationships with the environment, other animals, and artificial intelligence (AI)? This seminar explores how scholars and artists have grappled with these questions through theatre and performance.

We will begin by revisiting foundational critiques and debates in theatre studies that challenge the human-centered assumptions of Western theatre. While more-than-human is a capacious term, this seminar focuses on three interconnected themes: the environment, animals, and AI. Students will encounter a wide range of plays and performance forms—including realism, absurdism, and interactive performance—that engage with topics such as water pollution, the petroleum industry, the climate crisis, animal deaths, performing with/as/for animals, and the possibilities and challenges of collaborating with AI. Beyond reading and analyzing plays, we will also explore sustainable theatre practices and examine environmental activism and animal advocacy as forms of performance.

Like all 160-2 classes, 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 Attributes

SoC Humanities and Fine Arts Distro