Race, Ethnicity and Representation

This module explores the relationship between different forms of performance practice and understandings of racial and ethnic identities. It begins by exploring the vexed debate over the existence of race. It then examines the cultural and political dynamics relating to race and ethnicity which have been and are at work in various aspects of theatre and performance production and reception, including: casting, marketing, forms of address, forms of representation, audience constituencies, etc. Where useful, it may make reference to issues of race, ethnicity and representation in other cultural practices, e.g. film, tv, photography, etc. Through close study of particular examples of performance practice, it evaluates the role of theatre as a site for the articulation and contestation of cultural identities of race and ethnicity.