Writing Beyond Our Borders: Creation and Representation in U.S. Theater

Catalog description

In this arts workshop, students will explore the process and politics of creation and representation in U.S. theater. Through engagement with leading theater-makers and writing their own scenes, students will explore the complexities and challenges of expanding representation in theater, focusing on questions such as: What is the responsibility of a theater-maker in creating characters from identities or cultures traditionally underrepresented in U.S. theater? How do our choices as storytellers impact perceptions of individuals and groups both here and abroad? How can we empower ourselves to create without censorship, while engaging with integrity in complex, challenging dialogues around equity, diversity and inclusion in process and product? We will engage with works and visits from professional theater-makers dealing with these issues in their work, and explore the process of creating characters whose backgrounds and experiences do not match one's own (meaning most of them). Students will choose plays to read and respond to based on instructor recommendations and connections to their own work and interests. No prior writing or theater experience necessary.