For Theatre majors, Theatre History I and II are required. The good news is this: Theatre History I (THTRE 572) is being offered this summer! We cover the history of theatre from the 5th century BCE to 1800 CE. Along the way we read a myriad of “great” plays, consider important questions and learn quite a bit about our artistic ancestors. We will explore the bloody tragedies and perverse comedies of the Greeks, examine the head-rolling spectacles of the Romans, consider the religious theatre of the Middle Ages, dream about the technical marvels of the Italian renaissance and ponder Shakespeare’s works. In addition, we will also read modern and contemporary works that consider these eras gone by, such as Sondheim’s A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM and the play COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY (which explores when women began acting on the English stage).
Plays include: Medea, Oedipus Rex, Lysistrata, Pseudolus, works by Hrosthvitha (first female European playwright whose work survives), works by Shakespeare, Phaedra and Candide.
If you have questions, please contact Shannon at sbskelton@ksu.edu.