You'll explore theatrical movements from the late 19th century to today. The course covers modernism, postmodernism, and contemporary theatre, focusing on key playwrights, directors, and innovative staging techniques. You'll analyze plays, discuss theatrical theories, and examine how social and political changes influenced theatre during this period.
It can be challenging, especially if you're not used to reading plays or analyzing abstract concepts. The course covers a lot of ground, from Ibsen to contemporary experimental theatre. But if you're into theatre and enjoy discussing ideas, it's totally manageable. The workload can be heavy with lots of reading, but the discussions are usually pretty engaging.
History of Theatre I: Ancient to Renaissance. This course covers the origins of theatre from ancient civilizations through the Renaissance period. You'll learn about Greek tragedy, Roman comedy, and medieval religious drama.
History of Theatre II: Restoration to Realism. This class focuses on theatrical developments from the 17th to the 19th centuries. You'll study Restoration comedy, Romanticism, and the rise of Realism in theatre.
Contemporary Dramatic Literature. This course dives into plays written in the last few decades. You'll read and analyze works by current playwrights and discuss emerging trends in theatre.
Avant-Garde Theatre. Explore experimental and non-traditional forms of theatre from the 20th and 21st centuries. You'll study movements like Theatre of the Absurd and Performance Art.
World Theatre. This class examines theatrical traditions from various cultures around the globe. You'll learn about forms like Noh theatre, Kabuki, and contemporary African theatre.
Theatre and Social Change. Investigate how theatre has been used as a tool for social and political activism. You'll study practitioners like Augusto Boal and plays addressing social issues.
Theatre Arts. Students learn about all aspects of theatre production, including acting, directing, and design. Graduates often pursue careers in professional theatre or teaching.
Dramatic Literature. This major focuses on analyzing and interpreting plays from various periods and cultures. Students develop strong critical thinking and writing skills applicable to many fields.
Performance Studies. Combines theatre with anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies. Students explore how performance shapes and reflects culture in various contexts.
Art History. Focuses on the study of visual arts throughout history. Students learn to analyze and interpret artworks, including those related to theatrical design and production.
Theatre Critic. Write reviews and analyses of theatrical productions for newspapers, magazines, or online publications. You'll need to have a deep understanding of theatre history and current trends.
Dramaturge. Work with directors and playwrights to research historical context and provide insights for productions. You'll help bridge the gap between the text and the performance.
Theatre Educator. Teach theatre history and appreciation at high schools or colleges. You'll share your knowledge and passion for theatre with the next generation of artists and audiences.
Arts Administrator. Manage the business side of theatre companies or arts organizations. You'll use your understanding of theatre history to inform programming decisions and audience engagement strategies.
Do we need to memorize specific dates for theatrical movements? Usually, you'll need to know general time periods rather than exact dates. Understanding the sequence and context of movements is more important.
Are we expected to perform scenes from the plays we study? Typically, this course focuses more on analysis and discussion rather than performance. However, some professors might incorporate short performance exercises to illustrate certain concepts.
How much contemporary theatre is covered in this course? While the focus is often on modernism and postmodernism, most courses will touch on current trends in theatre. The exact amount can vary depending on the professor and course structure.