COURSE OBJECTIVES: 

This course aims at introducing students to the major theatre theories and debates on theatre, drama and performance from antiquity to the 20thC, in relation to particular movements or philosophies. A second objective is to familiarize students with the thought of key theatre and drama theorists, from the antiquity to the 21st century, through close reading of selected primary texts. It also aims at introducing the students to the history of thought on theatre and the shift from tragedy and the dramatic text to directing, space and the actors’ bodies. By the end of this course students are expected: to know the basic debates, concerns, texts of theatre theory; to be able to read closely and critically the work of major theatre theorists and practitioners; and to place fundamental theatre theories in cultural history.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

To know the basic debates, concerns, texts of theatre theory

To be able to read closely and critically the work of major theatre theorists and practitioners

To place fundamental theatre theories in cultural history

To have acquired skills in research and presentation