English 218a	Kim Benston
MW 12:30 -2	HU III

An investigation of Western drama through close study of major representative plays. Evolving notions of the dramatic event, from classical to modern and "post-modern" theaters, will be examined in relation to developing ideas of heroism, destiny, social structure, linguistic power, and theatricality itself. Emphasis will be placed on both thematic and structural problems of "play" and on the relation of the text to consequences of performance (e.g., acting, stagecraft, and audience response). In addition, we will read theoretical and cultural reflections on theater and the "performative" by such writers as Plato, Aristotle, Pico, Gosson, d'Aubignac, Nietzsche, and Foucault.

Works studied will include:

Aeschylus, Oresteia

Sophocles, Oedipus the King

Euripides, The Bacchae

Marlowe, Doctor Faustus

Shakespeare, The Tempest

Racine, Phèdre

Büchner, Danton's Death

Beckett, Waiting for Godot

Shange, For Colored Girls.

Assignments: 2 short papers; midterm exam; director's notebook; final paper.

Class Participation: Required.

Occasional Performance Scenework: Delightedly encouraged.

*English 218 satisfies the "Introductory Emphasis" and pre-1800 requirements for the Haverford English major

Enrollment limited to 30.