Introduction

English 633 examines recent plays in English from the countries once colonized by Britain, in relation to the "centre" of colonization and to each other, beginning with three plays by English playwrights which interrogate the idea of colonization and globalization. It then considers plays from Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand/Aotearoa, South Africa, Nigeria, and the West Indies in terms of their oppositional stance towards colonialism, their attempts to establish a unique voice in concert with the indigenous cultures, their reconception of the idea of a political and cultural centre, and their hybridization of linguistic and cultural experiences.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are

1. To consider the nature of post-colonial drama as a theatrical, cultural, social, and political concept.
2. To show how the idea of "empire" is constructed and deconstructed by British, Irish, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South African, Nigerian, and Caribbean playwrights.
3. To explore the cultural diversities and pluralities that constitute a post-colonial "national" drama.
4. To examine the paradoxes and hybridities in the forms and styles of post-colonial drama.
5. To consider how indigenous folk and /or mythical styles and themes inform post- colonial drama to constitute a syncretism of cultures.
6. To show the importance of traditions of orality, such as storytelling, dance, and singing, in post-colonial drama.
7. To examine the influences of international theatre forms-epic, absurdist, feminist.
8. To show the influence of American popular culture, and the debunking of American imagery and mythology.

Student Evaluation

Your final grade in the course will be determined on the basis of three essays: one critical essay (20%), one comparative essay (35%), and one research essay (45%).

The passing mark for English 633 is 60%.

Course Materials

The course materials for English 633 include the texts listed below, a Course Guide, and the forms you need to submit an assignment or to notify the University of a change in your status as a student. If you find any items are missing from your course package, please contact the Course Materials Production department at Athabasca University. You may telephone, toll-free from anywhere in Canada and the United States at 1-800-788-9041, and ask to speak to Course Materials (ext. 6366). Students in the Edmonton and Calgary dialing areas are asked to call the Learning Centres to connect with the automated attendant, and then dial the four-digit extension. You may also write to: Course Materials, Athabasca University 1 University Drive Athabasca AB T9S 3A3 -- or e-mail: cmat@athabascau.ca

Textbook

• Churchill, Caryl. Cloud Nine. London: Theatre Communications Group, 1995.
• Enright, Nick and Justin Monjo. Cloudstreet. Sydney: Currency Press, 1999.
• Friel, Brian. Translations. Harmondsworth, Middlesex: Penguin, 1995.
• Fugard, Athol. 'Master Harold' . . . and the boys. Harmondsworth, Middlesex: Penguin, 1984.
• Gilbert, Helen and Joanne Tompkins. Post-Colonial Drama: theory, practice, politics. London: Routledge, 1996.
• Grace-Smith, Briar. Purapurawhetu. Wellington: Huia Publishers (Playmarket), 1999.
• Hare, David. The Asian Plays: Fanshen, Saigon, A Map of the World. London: Faber and Faber, 1986.
• Jones, Marie. Stones in His Pockets. London: Applause Theatre Book Publishers, 2001.
• MacLeod, Joan. Amigo's Blue Guitar. Winnipeg: Blizzard, 1992.
• Soyinka, Wole. "The Lion and the Jewel," Collected Plays 2. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1974.
• Taylor, Drew Hayden. alterNatives. Vancouver: Talonbooks, 2000.
• Walcott, Derek. Dream on Monkey Mountain and other plays. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1992.
• Wertenbaker, Timberlake. Our Country's Good. London: Methuen, 1991.

Reprint

• Davis, Jack. No Sugar. In Australia Plays. Ed. Katharine Brisbane. London: Nick Hern Books, 1989.

Athabasca University Materials

Course Guide: The English 633 Study Guide contains essential information about the course and the procedures you should follow to complete it successfully. Please read through this entire document before you begin your studies.

Forms: The forms you will need to submit assignments or notify the University of a change in your status as a student.