Interdisciplinary Arts 0143 - First Readings

This course replicates the fast-paced, collaborative spirit of a theatre ensemble at the beginning of a rehearsal process. Over the course of the semester, we'll begin work on plays by visionary playwrights from a range of identities who are bringing unheard stories to the stage and who are illuminating and redefining contemporary theatre (Plays will be selected by both the instructor and by students. Readings in past classes have included the work of Dominique Morisseau, Sarah Kane, Anna Deavere Smith, the After Orlando plays, and many others). After reading the plays, you'll do both dramaturgical research and create ensemble projects, including creative writing, design responses, visual art, storytelling, and dialogue on questions of race and casting. The course is designed for students of all theatrical disciplines as well as students of other disciplines who are passionate about collaborative work. The goals are to broaden your repertoire of new plays and to dive headlong into the question: how do we begin?

Arts, Design, and Media Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, research.