TA 271 -- Intro Theater Arts

Woman holding a theatrical mask. Terracotta figurine made in Tanagra, ca. 325-300 BC. [link]

Expanded course description

For years, critics have predicted the death of Broadway and the demise of live performance in the face of media and technology. Since at least the time of classical Greece, however, theatre has been one of the most effective means through which a society can debate issues of mutual concern, define or modify key values, and explore the potential of the human experience, and it continues to fulfill that role today. One aspect of this course explores the role of theatre in our culture through consideration of a variety of dramatic texts of the modern theatre. A written text, however, is not a play. Theatre requires an integration of several individual arts including literature, design, music, movement, and acting to create a live performance. None of these works alone; it is the combination of all of them that creates the artwork that is presented to an audience. An understanding of the possible choices to be made by each of these artists and the techniques required to manifest those choices on the stage form a second line of inquiry. By reading and discussing plays, experimenting with aspects of design, observing performances, and writing reviews, each participant can formulate an individual awareness and appreciation of theatre arts in the world today.

Group: A&L

Offered 200701.

Syllabus

Although syllabi can change from term to term, a syllabus may provide further information about typical instances of this course.