INQ-271 | Racial Politics in Theatre

Full Title: Racial Politics in American Theatre

Topic Description:

Marginalized artists, particularly theatre-makers, have always sought to make their voices heard and to depict their experiences in America. In their works, these playwrights have asked: How can we honestly depict and confront racial issues in America? What can we learn from the perspectives and voices of those who are considered ‘Other’ to critique the society and culture in which we live? How can we push the boundaries of what narratives can be shown on stage? From this point of departure, this course explores race and its depiction by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) playwrights of issues in historical and contemporary America. We will balance reading of scripts with viewing of videos and other media, such as excerpts from anti-racist texts and recordings of socio-political protests. The goal is to consider perspectives of race across time, but primarily focused on their impacts for us in America today.

Counts as Global? No

Topic Approved: October 2020