Queer Drama
What does it mean to represent sexual identity on stage? How does the vulnerability of being on stage mirror the vulnerability of “coming out”? And how does it mirror the desire to hide behind a mask and perform an alternate identity? How does performance relate to queerness? In this class, we will explore the genre of drama and we will specifically focus on drama that addresses LGBTQ issues. Plays like Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly, and William Shakespeare’s As You Like It will form the foundation of our course. We will consider how the themes of sexuality and sexual identity on stage cross the boundaries of history, and we will look to queer authors and characters to teach us about performance and the complexities of drama.
Note: We will be watching a fabulous documentary called Paris is Burning that explores vogue-ing within Black and Latnio drag culture.
Assignments: In this course, you will be required to write four (1-2 page) responses to/analyses of texts. In addition you will participate in online discussions of those pieces, and you will write two 5-7 page papers engaging with a dramatic text.
Required texts:
Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches by Tony Kushner
M Butterfly by David Henry Hwang
As You Like It by William Shakespeare
The Waiting Room by Lisa Loomer