Class Dramatic Reading Workshop V

The whole approach to modernist theater depends on a recognition of areas of shared or singular assumptions placed within a presumed context and a place of rupture with a past that is alien to its themes. Thus, it will be sought to question the contribution of authors such as Ibsen, Strindberg, Maeterlinck, Pirandello or Beckett, among others, for the deconstruction of previous dramaturgical models and the extent of their innovation in the so-called modern theater. Furthermore, it is necessary to recognize a potentially common model among these authors, if not a certain cohesion of processes, in order to accommodate their personal languages within modern theater. The condition of access to this debate will be made through the description of Modernism in theater, in a particular way, and in literature, in general.

Not applicable

0. Presentation of the course / program. General considerations. 1. Modern Drama: canonical works. A general and comparative analysis. Tradition and rupture. Vanguard. Strong examples. Introduction – What Is Modern Drama? Lecture: Realism, Expressionism, Symbolism, Absurdism Key concepts: dramatic form, the role of the actor, performance as interpretation Four pieces: 2. "John Gabriel Borkman": 2.1. Ibsen and his place in Modern Drama; 2.2. Reading the play; 2.3. Discussion. Conclusions. 3. "Miss Julie": 3.1. Strindberg: reading lines. Introduction to the work; 3.2. Reading and analysis; 3.3. Discussion. Conclusions. 4. "The Blind": 4.1. Maeterlinck: context; 4.2. Reading and analysis of the play; 4.3. Discussion. Conclusions. 5. "Waiting for Godot": 5.1. Beckett; 5.2. Reading and analysis of the play; 5.3. Discussion. Conclusions. 6. "The Homecoming": 6.1. The Pinter pause: subtext, control through silence; 6.2. Reading and analysis of the play; 6.3. Discussion. Conclusions. 7. Written essay.

1. Performance-Based Learning 2. Close Reading + Critical Discussion 3. Collaborative Learning & Peer Feedback 4. Contextual and Interdisciplinary Framing 5. Flexible Assessment Formats

Primary Texts (Plays) Beckett, Samuel. Waiting for Godot. Faber & Faber, 1956. Kane, Sarah. Blasted. Methuen Drama, 2001. Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll’s House. Translated by Michael Meyer, Methuen Drama, 1964. Maeterlinck, Maurice. The Blind and Other Symbolist Plays. Dover Publications, 1992. Pirandello, Luigi. Six Characters in Search of an Author. Translated by Edward Storer, Dover Publications, 1998. Pinter, Harold. The Homecoming. Faber & Faber, 1965. Strindberg, August. Miss Julie. Translated by Michael Meyer, Methuen Drama, 1992