Course Description
Contemporary British Theater
Did you know London has around one hundred theatres? Fifteen of which are occupied by subsidised companies. Large commercial theatres can be found in the West End offering a variety of light entertainment, musicals and comedies. However, London’s theatre scene is not just big budget productions of Billy Elliot and the Lion King. Off-West End productions feature plays with more individual themes. The most innovative and experimental work is usually found in the ‘fringe’ theatres.
Students enrolled in this course will be offered a ‘taste’ of all these modes of production, and a consideration of state subsidy for theatre within a critical framework. Students course will be introduced to a variety of texts, performances and theatrical venues that reflect the vitality of contemporary British theatre. Upon completing the course, students will be able to show an understanding of the network of relationships that constitute contemporary British theatre and be able to critically evaluate theatrical performances with an appreciation of technical terminologically and theoretical perspectives, forming an appreciation of aesthetic, academic and political debates in contemporary British theatre.
Past Co-curricular activities
- Backstage tour of the National Theatre
- Theatre and Performance section of the Victoria and Albert Museum
*Please note: a lab fee is required for this course.