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Content: This module furthers the critical study of social, cultural, and historical aspects of performance, through analysis and practical exercises. Students will explore plays alongside texts which have shaped approaches to acting and performance, and combine these in practical exercises (e.g. scene studies) and analytic discussion. Drawing from plays both ancient and modern, and stemming from various parts of the globe (e.g. East Asia, India, Ancient Greece, Russia), we’ll explore the purpose and impact of theatre in a wide range of cultural contexts. Why have people gathered to watch drama at various points in time? How have radically different forms of behaviour have been understand as ‘natural’ in differing contexts? How has theatre’s relation to democracy or community been understood?Ìý

Teaching delivery:Ìý10 weekly lectures and 2-hour seminars including discussion and performative exercises.

Indicative topics (the module will not cover all of these each year):ÌýAncient Greek Theatre; Sanskrit theatre; Zeami and the Art of No; Naturalism; Poor Theatre; Theatre of the Civil Rights Movement; Black British Theatre; Queer Theatre; Theatre and Feminism; In-yer-face Theatre; Theatre and EcologyÌý

Module aims:

• Articulate various forms of ancient theatre in several cultural contexts and critically engage with theatre’s fundamental functions
• Explore approaches to performance and playtexts through practical exercises and reflect on these exercises
• Analyse dramatic texts and performances in conjunction with each other, showing awareness of the intertextuality of dramatic literature
• Examine the variety of contexts in which theatrical performance happens, and how these performances are shaped by social and cultural factorsÌý
• Critically evaluate the reception of contemporary and historic performances

Recommended readings: Playwrights discussed may include: Wole Soyinka, Caryl Churchill, Suzan Lori-ParksÌý

Additional costs: A trip to the theatre.Ìý

This module is taught on the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê East campus in Stratford