Theatre Criticism

Theatre criticism, or the art of the review (as distinct from dramatic criticism), is a significant area of cultural practice and its relationship with the institution of theatre, the nature of the performance event and developments in dramatic literature and theatrical form is a complex and problematic one. Within the framework of an historical overview, but focusing particularly on the context of post-war and contemporary British and/or US theatre practice, this course will examine the forms, functions and discourses of theatre criticism. Students will have the opportunity both to consider critically the role of the theatre critic and, through their own writing, to articulate, evaluate and contextualise their own responses to a range of current performances.