Theatre in London: Shakespeare to the contemporary scene
Programme one, option two:
This module will provide students with an overview of theatre in London, ranging from Elizabethan theatre to the contemporary British theatre scene, with particular attention paid to issues of theatre and performance in relation to city and nation.
Students will analyse the following topics in theory and practice: theatre in Elizabethan London, Restoration theatre, Shakespeare qua British cultural export, state of the nation plays, what it means to have a National Theatre, the Shakespeare’s Globe project, and identity in contemporary British theatre.
Learning outcomes
- Have an understanding key historical moments in British theatre/performance (1558-present).
- Be familiar with concepts of nation and performance in relation to Great Britain and theatre in London.
- Be familiar with the concept of cultural capital and Shakespeare as a commodity.
- Create critical and creative responses to historical and contemporary British performance.
Weekly Topics and Field Work
Historic and Contemporary Shakespeare
Globe Theatre
Nationhood and Performance
National Theatre
Contemporary Fringe
Battersea Arts Centre
Assessment Information
Presentation (30%)
Reflective Journal (30%)
Two Quizzes (20%)
Performance (10%)
The course is worth 15 UK credits/ 7.5 ECTS, which translates to between 3 and 4 US credits. Please note it is your responsibility to check that your home institution will accept transfer of these credits back as part of your degree programme.
Indicative Bibliography
Shakespeare, William. To be determined based on Globe performance schedule.
Granville-Barker, Howard. The Need for a National Theatre.
green, debbie tucker. random.
Dowie, Clare. Drag Act.
