Directing, Devising, and Performance

This class is a laboratory, where students will explore (on their feet) a range of methodologies, philosophies, and approaches to creating performance and theatre. How do you direct a theatre piece without starting with a play? Alongside a broad survey of artists and art movements of the 20th century that continue to influence theatre artists today, students will practice a variety of ways of staging with and without text, always in relation to being a “live event." Following a trajectory from the Dadaists to Fluxus, from the surrealists to John Cage (and beyond), we will wrangle with these “post-dramatic” artists and explore how their ideas can lead us in finding our own unique theatrical voice. Class will culminate in performances assembled from work made in class. Students will be given reading and creative assignments outside of class and will be expected to work collaboratively throughout the term. This class meets once a week.