From Page to Stage: Troilus and Cressida

3 credits · Undergraduate

The great city of Troy has been under siege for seven years. Both Greek and Trojan camps have lost the plot, if ever narrative coherence for their struggle did exist. The most irreverent of Shakespeare's "problem plays," Troilus and Cressida puts infighting warriors - and young love - to the test. The Trojan prince and fair Cressida circle each other at arm's length; so, too, do "insolent" Achilles and "blockish" Ajax. What forms can fidelity, authority, and desire's fulfillment take when partisan bloodshed is the order of the day? This course links the interpretative and performing arts in two phases. Participants first focus on the play-text and the creative openings afforded by Shakespeare's interlocutors past and present. They then draw these insights into a scaled-down performance to be held at the close of the quarter. Along the way, guest lecturers will lead workshops to enrich our sense of the possibilities of script adaptation, stage direction, and dramatic performance. Students will not be graded on their performance as actors. This remains a literature-forward course; no prior experience in the theater necessary. Students willing to contribute to the final production through non-acting roles (e.g. as publicists, musicians, costume designers, stagehands, extras) are very welcome. Participants should reserve time for FIVE additional rehearsal sessions to be held on Mondays at 7:30 pm.