Prague: Design as Performance

Semester and Year	SU 2011
Course Number	TRAVL-UG9250
Section	001
Instructor	Kristin Horton
Days
Time
Units	4.0
Level	U
Foundation Requirement

Notes/Restrictions

Course meets in Prague, June 4-June 25.

Description

During a three-week interdisciplinary course, students will investigate the unique visual artistry inherent in Czech theater, its history and influence in Eastern Europe, and its application in contemporary theater performance. Steeped in a legacy of theater performance rooted in the visual tradition, Prague is home and host to some of the most innovative work in theatrical design and performance. This course will trace the genealogy of design influenced performance from its roots in the concentration camps of World War II where the practice of using found objects in imaginative ways began as a means for creating the world of the play to the later 20th century when theater artists invented new ways of communicating visually with their audiences as a means to escape censorship from totalitarian government officials. Through architectural and gallery tours as well as attendance at Czech theaters we will investigate the historical and political conditions from which Eastern European theater emerged in the 20th century and the influence of visual design in contemporary Czech theater. Every four years, the city is also home to the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space, the largest exhibition of stage design in the world, showcasing the work of artists from more than 75 countries and featuring performances based in visual elements. The course will coincide with PQ12 and make use of this learning resource and opportunity to interact with artists from all over the world. The course will include hands on workshops where we will explore tools and approaches for collaboration between the visual and performing arts as well as new ways of incorporating visual arts into storytelling and performance. Classes, taught in English, meet four days per week.

Course Type

Travel Courses (TRAVL-UG)