Drama as a genre combines the literary art of storytelling (and often poetry) with live performance in a shared space. As a form of ritual as well as entertainment, drama has served to unite communities and challenge social norms, to delight and disturb its audiences. We will study drama from the outside in and the inside out: class members will analyze plays that exemplify different kinds of dramatic structure and functions; attend and review theatrical performances; compose dialogue; and perform short scenes in class. Readings will include plays from a variety of times and places, including examples of classical Greek and English Renaissance tragedy, medieval and modern comedy, Japanese Noh drama, and contemporary plays from the United States, Europe, and Africa.
