About

Course Description

In this course we will engage early drama, and its performance history, through the figure of the animal. The Eagles that figure the fall of the house of Atreus in the Oresteia, the lamb disguised as Christ in The Second Shepherd’s Play, and the dog actor who played Crab in early modern productions of Two Gentlemen of Verona, are just a few examples of the indispensable animals we will investigate in this course on the history of drama from the 5th century BCE to the 17th century CE. In addition to works performed in classical festivals, medieval mystery cycles, and the playhouses of the English Renaissance and Restoration, we will also consider animal performers in less auspicious venues such as circuses, zoos, and baiting-pits. Our inquiry into animals on stages big and small will enable us to ask questions about political philosophy, environmental ethics, and the relative status of man. To answer these questions and help you develop close reading and critical writing skills, you will complete quizzes, create multimedia blog posts, produce a podcast, research and write essays, and design a final presentation. Readings to include The Oresteia, The Wasps, The Shepherds’ Play, The Jew of Malta, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Macbeth, The Witch of Edmonton, and The Country Wife.