DR 315 - Theater in London: An Introduction

London’s vibrant, world-leading theatre attracts actors and directors from film, tv and theatre nationally and internationally as well as audiences from around the world. This course offers students an opportunity to explore London’s culture, history and theatre through attending nine varied productions at venues ranging from historic West End theatres to intimate ‘fringe’ spaces and the National Theatre.  There will be brand new plays and reimagined classics and musicals, all subsequently examined in class from audience, performer, playwright, director, designer, management, and financial perspectives, as we endeavor to lift the veil on how London theatre is made and the secrets of the rehearsal room. We will read scripts and assess how they are interpreted, exploring how their staging's offer us connection and meaning whatever our life experience and background.  Through all this we will aim to identify what makes London’s culture and theatre what they are today. Course lectures will closely relate to the productions seen, covering London theatre history and individual playwrights, as well as relevant political, social and economic issues. The course is suitable for students with and without prior experience of theatre, and from all disciplines including arts, sciences, finance and management.

Note: This course is offered during the regular semester and in the summer. For summer sections, the course schedule is condensed, but the content, learning outcomes, and contact hours are the same. You can find the Theater in London: An Introduction summer syllabus here.