A Seminar aimed at MA students
The study of ‘medieval drama’ is dominated by the scriptural mystery cycles and the morality plays, with the result that medieval drama is often misconceived as narrowly religious and didactic. But the early years of the Tudors saw also a rise in secular drama which was informed by humanist scholarship: these ‘Interludes’ present vital philosophical and political questions in digestible form: they are clever, witty, and frequently scurrilous; they raise questions about justice and often imply criticism of those in power. Theatrically they are innovative, particularly in their self-conscious exploration of the nature of performance and the relationship between actors and audiences. This course will study in depth plays that, in various ways, offer a ‘drama of dissent’.
- Teacher: Elisabeth Dutton