Why Drama?

Why is drama such a great medium for a class? Unlike novels, which are meant to be read privately at one's own leisure, drama is meant to be consumed in a group of other theatre-goers who will respond together to the production choices and to the dramatist's and director's vision. If we were going to London to read and discuss a series of "London novels" such as Bleak House and Mrs. Dalloway and Absolute Beginners we would spend much of our learning time alone with these somewhat lengthy novels. We are, however, going to spend much of our learning time together in the theatre.

Many undergraduates are not fans of reading the plays of William Shakespeare. Seeing them performed by trained actors, however, brings them to life in unexpected ways. Shakespeare never wrote his plays hoping that schools would teach them, but instead hoping that ordinary folks would purchase entrance to his theaters and hear his plays. We are following in a long tradition of Londoners who have happily done so.