Shakespeare and the London Stage
Students will read plays by Shakespeare and other authors alongside primary historical documents. They will also attend performances of relevant plays, view video versions of plays and tour relevant spaces in London. The focus will be divided between 21st century manifestations of Shakespeare, the city of London as related to Shakespeare, and the Elizabethan era.
Students who successfully complete this course will have:
A working understanding of the way in which theatrical spaces and historical factors shape theatre production.
An understanding of some of the modes through which scripts and performances are transferred and translated into contemporary moments.
Draft Syllabus
Week 1
- Day 1: Introduction and discussion of primary documents (e.g. diaries by Dudley Carleton, letters by Queen Elizabeth or King James, records form the Office of the Revels).
- Day 2: Discussion of performance viewed the prior night.
- Day 3: Site visit (e.g. Museum of London, Globe Theatre, National Gallery) and discussion.
Week 2
- Day 1: Site visit (e.g. Museum of London, Globe Theatre, National Gallery) and discussion.
- Day 2-3: Reading and discussion of one contemporary Shakespeare adaptation (with attention to diversity), one Shakespeare play and one Elizabethan drama).
Week 3
- Day 1-2: Continue reading and discussion
- Day 3: Conclusion and student presentations
Teaching and Learning Methods
This module will consists primarily of discussion, frequently onsite with a minimal amount of lecturing. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through discussion, writing and presentations.
Assessment
For DRA020N200H
Essay (2000 words) – 50%
Presentation – 50%
For DRA020X200H
Essay (3000 words) – 50%
Presentation- 50%