New Plays 1980-present

HUSL6330.001
Spring 2011
Thursdays 4-6:45 JO 4.708
University of Texas at Dallas

Thomas Riccio, Professor, Performance & Aesthetic Studies

972.883.2016 (office & voice)
Thomas.riccio.utdallas.edu
www.thomasriccio.com
Office Hours Tuesday & Thursday 2:30-3:30 & by arrangement
Office Location JO 4.126

This course will explore and analyze a wide variety of international plays and
performance expressions from the period of 1980 to the present. The course will
consider a variety of critical approaches and theories of performance as it examines
historical and cultural sociopolitical and aesthetic contexts, and the role of theater and
performance in a world undergoing profound cultural transformation.

Student Learning Objectives

1) To comprehensively examine various literary trends and ideas as presented in
selections of drama from 1980 to the present. 2) To obtain a critical base for analysis
and interpretation of selected representative contemporary plays and performance
expressions. 3) Develop dramaturgical skills enabling the reading of plays as literary,
dramatic, and cultural expressions. 4) Use the readings to examine philosophical,
sociological, cultural and ethical issues concerning life in the 21 century.

Course requirements
Assigned Readings, class participation in discussion
Four Essays 1) Analysis, 2) Context, 3) History, 4) Interpretation. Each
approximately 3-5 pages in length
Independent video viewing of film versions of select plays
Final Dramaturgical Project

Required Text

Plays for the End of the Century, Bonnie Marranca (ed.) PAJ Publication
The Flu Season and Other Plays, By Will Eno, TCG
Funny, Strange, Provocative: Seven Plays from Clubbed Thumb, Playscripts Inc.
Performing Africa: Remixing Tradition, Theatre, and Culture, by Thomas Riccio,
Peter Lang Publisher

Course Policy
Late or incomplete work is not accepted

New Plays 1 Spring 2011

 Incompletes Grades will not be given in this class
All dates and assignments are subject to change
Assignments will be made with ample time for completion given please be
alert to alterations or corrections in the schedule

Attendance Policy
Two 2 unexcused absences permitted, however each subsequent unexcused
absence will result in the Loss of 5% per absence. Two late arrivals (30 minutes +
after the hour unless lateness is pre-arranged) will count as one absence. Note: No
Gum Chewing or Eating in Class. Soft Drinks, Coffee, and water permitted.

Class Participation & Citizenship

Students are expected to contribute to class discussion and debate, and be open to,
and respectful, of the opinions and perspectives of others.

Grading Policy
1000 pt grading scale
4 x 3-5 page Essays 40%
2 Performance Review 10%
1 final dramaturgical project 40%
Attendance & Participation 10%
900 + = A 800 + = B 700 + = C 600 + = D 600 and below = F

Class Schedule

Week 1 Introductions, expectations & performance studies and

dramaturgical approaches

Week 2 Structure and Content: Dramaturgical Analysis

Read: Junk Space (eLearning), Stone, Cold, Dead, Serious (eLearning)

Week 3 Approaches: Overview pt 1: Theory

Read: Enter the Night (NC) and The Conduct of Life (eLearning)

Week 4 Approaches Overview pt 2: Theory

The Flu Play (Eno)

1st Essay Due

Week 5 Idea, Language, and Action: Dramaturgical Research

Read: Top Dog/Underdog (eLearning)

Week 6 The Well-Made Play Today: Production Research

New Plays 2 Spring 2011

 Read: Tragedy: a Tragedy, Intermission (Eno)

2nd Essay Due

Week 7 Issues and Settings: Context and Historical Research

Playwright Research
Read: Crumble, Demon Baby, (CT)

1st Performance Review Due

Week 8 Experimentation and Exploration pt 1

Read: Motherhood, The Law of Remains, Two Altars (NC)

3rd Essay Due

Week 9 Experimentation and Exploration pt 2

Read: 16 Spells, Inky, Freakshow (CT)

Final Projects Assigned

Week 10 SPRING BREAK March 14-19

Week 11 Theatre of Images and Thought: Playwright as Thinker

Production totality and integration
Play as Essay
Production totality and integration

Read: Frank Dell’s The Temptation of St. Anthony, The Mind King, Cellophane (NC)

4th Essay Due

Week 12 Devised Performance

Creating and Expressive options
Transformation of performance and plays

Read: Reference Point, blahblah (eLearning)

2nd Performance Review Due

Week 13 Dramaturgy of Place

New Plays 3 Spring 2011

 Read: Tanzania, Kenya, Being African (PA)

Week 14 Community, Creation, Performance

Read: Emandulo, Zulu, (PA)

Week 15 Body Space Place

The New Indigenous
(Re) Inventing Performance
Read: Zambia, Bushmen (PA)

Final Project Presentations

Week 16 Summing Up: Final project presentations

Final project presentations

Final Dramaturgy Projects Due 5 May 2pm

Student Conduct & Discipline

http://www.utdallas.edu/dept/graddean/CAT2008/appendices/Appendix1.htm

http://www.utdallas.edu/deanofstudents/conductguidelines.html

New Plays 4 Spring 2011