Magical Realism

Catalog description

This course explores the mode of magical realism across literature, theater, and film through the lens of performance. How does magical realism blur the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary, between the real and the fantastic? How do theater artists leverage the unique possibilities (and limitations) of live performance to stage seemingly impossible events? Beginning with the genre's multiple origins and its development in Latin American literature (Borges, Garcia Marquez, Cortazar), we will trace magical realism's journey from the page to the stage in contemporary theater (Jose Rivera, Tony Kushner, Sarah Ruhl). Along the way, we will investigate magical realism as an artistic tradition, a form of social critique, and a dynamic approach to theater making. Through seminar discussions and in-class performance assignments, students will experiment with staging moments of magical realism as directors, designers, and performers while developing skills in critical analysis and creative collaboration. No prior performing experience is necessary.