Postmodern Drama
Times
Monday 10 am - 12 pm
Wednesday 10-11 am
Instructor
Dr. Philippa Sheppard
E-mail: philippa.sheppard@utoronto.ca
Brief Description of Course
This course investigates twelve major plays of the turbulent post World War II era -- an era of rapid social and political change – in the light of new intellectual and artistic movements such as: Absurdism, Feminism, and Post-Colonialism. Clips from filmed productions will act as a springboard for discussions about changing modes of performance in these exciting works of drama, which are as important today as in their own time.
Required Reading(s)
Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, Miller’s The Crucible, Osborne’s Look Back In Anger, Beckett’s Happy Days; Pinter’s The Homecoming; Churchill’s Vinegar Tom; Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman; Friel’s Translations; Shepard’s True West; Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross; Stoppard’s Arcadia; Ins Choi’s Kim’s Convenience.
First Three Authors/Texts
Williams, Miller, Osborne.
Method of Evaluation
- One in-class essay (20%)
- One take-home essay (35%)
- One three-hour exam (35%)
- Participation (10%).