Theater and Dance 279 - Destroying the Classics: Theatre Canons for Today

What do we do with the Classics and the playwrights held up as the undefeated paragons of the written theatrical word? Some would say we get rid of all of them and create a new canon. Some say we expand the canon. And others argue canons should be period-specific. In this course we will look at some plays deemed theatrical classics paired with lesser known contemporaneous plays and playwrights to examine the "problem" of Classics and how we "solve" the problem of a limited theatrical canon. What made them a classic and can they still be deemed so today? How should we judge other plays that could be a part of a canon? Students will read plays and critical theories to pick apart the words: classics, canon, diversity, expansion and inclusion. This course builds on the fundamental skills of close reading, dramatic analysis, beginning dramaturgy, deep discussion, and thoughtful writing. Spring semester. Professor SEVAN.

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Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Regular attendance and class participation, class discussion, reading, and dramatic analysis essays. Attendance at a performance outside of class may also be required.