The Theatrical Literature of Social Change

In this seminar we will begin with the question: how can art, specifically theatrical art, impact the world around us? We will explore a variety of contemporary works for the theatre that examine the possibilities of change (political, cultural, environmental). The seminar will also contain experiential components—students will be required to devise and perform various scenarios designed to impact a specifically targeted issue, and lead a discussion subsequent to each presentation. Authors to be read include American writers Anna Deveare Smith, Eve Ensler, and the Tectonic Project and British writers Caryl Churchill, David Hare, Robin Soans, Lucy Kirkwood, and others. 3 hrs. sem.