An examination of a theoretical topic or perspective on performance, with specific attention to the interface between theoretical endeavor and dramatic, nondramatic, and nontheatrical modes of performance; may involve visiting artists. Topics vary from semester to semester.

Performance and the law have long been considered closely knit. From the costuming of judges and legislators to staging of the courtroom, law is performed as much as performance makes and breaks the rules. It is this process of legitimation and disruption that we will focus on in this class through the study of various plays and performance pieces both classic and contemporary. The class will attend to the role of witness and jury, embodiment, scripting, and affect, as well as how the law operates in alternative forms of law and lawmaking, in civil disobedience, community ethics, and towards planetary consciousness. While our work primarily aims to identify theoretical problems and debates in performance studies research, we will situate theory in the context of current events including the struggle to dismantle racist systems of law and enforcement by popular movements in art, music, poetry, and other creative works. Students will be expected to prepare weekly discussion materials, a midterm exam, and develop several short essays towards publication in a class journal.

Repeat Rules

Requirements class fulfills