Critical Theory for Performance

Catalog description

THEA 206 is an intensive introduction to critical performance theory. Through reading, writing, and attendance at arts events, students will learn methods for experiencing, analyzing, and writing about theatre, dance, and other performing arts forms through the lenses of class, race, gender, nationalism, and abilities. To do this, students will learn and apply concepts from critical theory from its historical precedents to its contemporary forms. These theories include semiotics and structuralism; post-Structuralism and deconstruction; Marxism and materialism; feminism and queer theory; postmodernism and post-colonial theory. Students will apply concepts learned through several scaffolded writing projects-response papers, a critical essay, and a performance analysis (long-form review).