While the playwright names—Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee—may be familiar, do American playgoers know how weird these artists' works can be? This survey course tracks some of twentieth- and twenty-first century's most recognizable dramas, focusing on the theatre's potential for formal innovation as well as social commentary. Plays include Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Anna Deavere-Smith's Twilight Los Angeles, 1992, Tony Kushner's Angels in America, and Annie Baker's The Flick. Evaluation will be based on online response posts, two formal essays, one oral presentation, and class participation. No prerequisites necessary.
English Department