Introduction to Dramaturgy (DRA4281.01)

Maya Cantu

The dramaturg serves as a powerful medium in the theatre. She bridges the past and the present, the creative team and the audience, while providing critical generosity and historical and literary insight. In this course, we will learn about the history and practice of dramaturgy, while learning how the critical and research skills of the dramaturg can apply to a wide array of theatrical and artistic disciplines. Through a varied blend of weekly readings, discussion, small-group activities, and independent projects, students will engage with various tools and methods of dramaturgy. These include text analysis, research skills, exploring the archive, new play development, and theatrical translation. “Introduction to Dramaturgy” is recommended for theater practitioners—actors, directors, designers, and playwrights—as well as for students with an interest in literature, history, and criticism.

This remote course will meet synchronously on Zoom, with two hours a week of asynchronous class activity built into the class structure. The class will meet synchronously from 9:30am to 12:10pm.


Learning Outcomes:



Delivery Method: Entirely remote (synchronous)
Prerequisites:At least three previous courses in Drama and/or Literature and permission of instructor. Please email mayacantu@bennington.edu by 5pm on Wednesday, May 27th.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
M/Th 8:30AM-12:10PM (1st seven weeks)
Maximum Enrollment: 15
Course Frequency: Once a year

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