Twentieth-Century Performance Aesthetics
An intensive exploration of the evolution of the theory and practice of theatrical experimentation in the 20th century. Starting with the early challenges to Stanislavskian naturalism manifested in the work of Meyerhold, Craig, Brecht, Grotowski, and Artaud, the course will examine how these challenges influenced theatrical innovation throughout the century. Students will write papers and do presentations on the work of such artists as Peter Brook, Joseph Chaikin, Richard Schechner, Ariane Mnouchkine, Augusto Boal, and others. Questions about Modernism and the relationship between art and reality will guide an exploration of the performance aesthetics that have dominated this century. (Approval required; ARDV 0116 and THEA 0208) 3 hrs. lect./1hr. screen.