Ever wonder how theatre first became theatre? Or when the first dialogue was spoken in front of an audience? How the Greeks and Romans changed the way stories were told on stage? How Marlowe reconciled the medieval world of his youth with the developing English Renaissance in just one play? How the Restoration writers brought the middle class onto the stage? Or how Realism became the dominant form of theatre for an industrialized world? In this course we will explore the four most pivotal moments that changed both theatre and society over the last 2,500 years. In short, we will look at the complex ways art and history merged on stage to enlighten us and ultimately define just how theatre became theatre.
Suggested reading: History of the Theatre (10th Ed), Oscar G. Brockett and Franklin Hildy, Pearson Publishing (Note: the instructor understands that the book may be too costly for most students - it is not compulsory reading. You may be able to find the book in libraries near you)