Starting with a survey of Classical, Greek and Roman theater, analyzed from a female perspective, the course will explore the reasons behind the indisputable fact, attested by Aristotle himself, that although theatrical practice began with the representation of Demetra’s cult, the practice of the Eleusinian mysteries, and the celebration in honor of Dionysius, half man and half woman-- women were banned from the stage. Why then were they excluded? To answer this question the course will study classical texts such as Medea, Phaedra, Antigone, Clytemnestra, Jocasta, Al cesti and other ancient and modern literary and critical works on the subject.

(Besides regular credit this course may also count for one credit in the M.A. in Mediterranean Studies program)