Life and the Social Situation: African American Cultural Representation in Theatre
Instructor: Liz Fredette & Devon Sinclair with Special Guests
Time: Sundays 2-4 PM***
Dates: September 19-November 7
“The theatre was created to tell people the truth about life and the social situation.”
– Stella Adler
Adler was well aware that by telling the truth we, theatre artists and makers, wield a great power for change. For a long time people were informed about life and society through the word and performances. While we now have a variety of ways in which we learn news and hear stories, theatre continues to be an opportunity to illustrate experiences in a more personal and detailed fashion. Now is a crucial moment in time to take stock of whose truth is being told and who is being represented in the messaging.
Our goal is to more deeply examine and relate to others whose life and social situation are outside of our own daily experience using the powerful educational medium of theatre. In this particular course we will explore the stories and experiences of Black theatre and film artists. We will read and discuss plays and musicals with support from other mediums including poetry, essays, and news articles related to the topics of race, identity, culture to find connections, understanding, and empathy for those who are often overlooked. Additionally, students will be assigned scenes and monologues from these works (and regardless of their race, ethnicity, and gender) to workshop, within the class setting only.
Throughout the course of the class we will invite special guests to join us for discussion. All reading materials will be paid for and/or provided by MacGuffin.
***This class is the second in our ongoing series of classes titled Life and the Social Situation. We will explore different plays, themes, and/or focuses each season. While our theme this year is the same as it was last season, we will be looking at entirely different works. This class is appropriate for returning and new students.
***We will hold four of the eight classes in person at MacGuffin and four of them over Zoom.***
FINE PRINT
- All students and instructors will wear masks during their time in the MacGuffin space.
- For production and performance classes, special instructions will be issued and agreed upon.
- Students who are sick or have knowingly been exposed to COVID-19 may not attend class.
- COVID-19 restrictions may be adjusted at any time depending on Philadelphia guidelines.
- For specific question, please contact Liz at LFredette@MacGuffinTF.com
Tuition will be refundable up to 24 hours before the first class.
