Overview of Course

This class will examine the nature and history of performance and how performance reflects and reveals the culture in which it exists. Performance is defined broadly and will include scripted plays, improvisation, storytelling, standup comedy, musical theatre, puppet theatre, mask theatre, dance theatre and both the traditional and the avant-garde. The course will examine a range of theatrical traditions; their history, dramatic literature and performance styles with particular emphasis given to the theatrical culture of the countries we visit. We will analyze the historical and political context of these particular theatrical forms and performance styles and their relationship to, and influence on, Western Theatre. Class work will be supplemented by attendance at live performances in port. Students will develop a working knowledge of the major performance practices of countries visited on this voyage. We will investigate the socio-political and cultural background of theatre and consider the ways in which theatre reflects a society’s history, aesthetics and values. We will compare traditional and contemporary theatre forms and analyze theatre’s historical development and function in society.