London Semester Course Description
Contemporary British Theater
This course introduces students to a variety of texts, performances and theatrical venues that reflect the vitality of contemporary British theatre. London has around one hundred theatres, of which fifteen are occupied by subsidised companies. Large commercial theatres can be found in the West End offering a variety of light entertainment, musicals and comedies. Off-West End productions may feature plays with more individual themes. The most innovative and experimental work is usually found in the ‘fringe’ theatres. This course will try and offer a ‘taste’ of all these modes of production, and a consideration of state subsidy for theatre within a critical framework. Students will be expected to analyse and comment critically upon various shows in performance.