Art Matters: Theatre and Social Change

In this course we will begin with the question: how can art, specifically theatrical art, impact the world around us? The course will explore, first historically, and then with a contemporary focus, various companies, playwrights and activists involved in theatre for change (political, social, environmental). The class will contain an experiential component – students will be required to devise and perform various scenarios designed to impact a specifically targeted issue (or issues). Readings will include theory, literature (plays by authors such as Brecht, Peter Weiss, Eve Ensler), and the histories of various groups.