THR 2505 - The Politics of Performance: Theatre, Government, and Social Change

Credits: 4

Theatre impacts, and is impacted by, the socio-political structures in which it is performed. From the politics of the ancient world to the present day, theatre artists have used their art form to challenge the status quo, to expose unjust systems of oppression, to effect change in the social network. Likewise, governments use elements of theatre to promote particular agendas and suppress individuals and social groups who challenge the dominant status quo. Drawing on the long and varied history of theatre, this course will explore the political nature of theatre and the relationship between theatre arts, political ideologies, institutional structures, and efforts at social change over the previous century up to the present day.

Fulfills: AL in LS Core