The Plays of Harold Pinter

Harold Pinter is “undoubtedly the most influential and important craftsman in English theatre…” The Times Literary Supplement. Each week prior to class, students will read one play, and then in class those who wish to will read aloud parts of the play. Discussion aimed at determining what makes it work or not work in terms of the tools of the playwright’s craft (diction, plot, characterization, etc.), will follow. Plays to be covered are from The Complete Works of Harold Pinter (Volume 3) and will be discussed in the following order: The Homecoming, Tea Party, The Basement and Landscape. For those interested, The Homecoming is being performed at Capital Stage in downtown Sacramento, April 29-May 31. And on March 14 and 15 the Mondavi Center in Davis will present Julian Sands, A Celebration of Harold Pinter, directed by John Malkovich. Suggested reading: The Complete Works of Harold Pinter (Volume 3). Students are requested to read the first play, The Homecoming, before the first class meeting. Enrollment limited.