Studies in Identity: 20th Century American Drama

Catalog description

A study of major and transformative American dramas of the 20th and 21st century, from Arthur Miller and Eugene O’Neill to Sarah Ruhl and Paula Vogel. Course will consider what it is that defines these plays as “American,” and how do these plays challenge previously held assumptions about identity, race, gender, and sexuality in America. Texts will be studied as literature and well as blueprints for theatrical events. That is, we will consider not just the text on the page but its performative aspects and its production history, wherever possible.