This all-level one-quarter program engages Irish drama in terms of both its content and its context. Our explorations will encompass plays and ideas from the 19 ^th century Anglo-Irish period through Ireland’s post-colonial time of nation-building, and the edgy works of contemporary playwrights. We will also examine aspects of Irish-American dramaturgy and playwriting. The study of various social issues as Irish (-American) identity, and religious, class, sexuality, gender, and family dynamics will all be part of what informs our studies this quarter.

Weekly activities will include reading plays, participating in workshops and other hands-on activities, and developing skills in critical analysis through classroom discussions, films, and lectures. Because working with every aspect of the theatre requires public risk-taking, students should expect to be on their feet and in front of their peers from the first day of class. The faculty have an inflexible policy regarding timely and attentive participation, and assume that each student already has college-level writing skills.