Classic Drama: Titus Andronicus, The Revenger's Tragedy, Rosmersholm

About this course

The course examines Shakespeare’s *Titus Andronicus*, *The Revenger’s Tragedy* and Ibsen’s *Rosmersholm*, considering how each play addresses political, social and cultural pressures. Topics include the conventions of revenge drama, authorship, classical sources, satire, character relationships and Ibsen’s stagecraft. Teaching combines tutor presentations with small-group and whole-group discussion. Participants will analyse the play-texts, consider scholarly interpretations and examine how theatre practitioners have approached them. Key scenes will be read aloud in class to explore their potential effect on an audience, although taking part in these readings is optional.

What you'll learn

• Identify features of revenge drama and other dramatic genres
• Analyse how playwrights construct characters and relationships
• Evaluate the historical, political, social and cultural contexts of the three plays
• Assess how dramatic texts and stage interpretations engage an audience

Is this course right for you?

Listed at Improver level, the course is intended for learners developing beyond the fundamentals of dramatic-text study, although previous experience is useful rather than essential. It suits participants willing to read the set plays before sessions, discuss interpretations in groups and engage with others’ responses. Reading scenes aloud is available but not compulsory.

• Preparatory reading of the set plays is expected
• Participation includes small-group and whole-group discussion
• Previous experience studying dramatic texts is useful but not essential

Before you go

• Participants need to buy or borrow copies of all three set texts.
• The *Rosmersholm* edition should use James McFarlane’s translation.
• Any edition of *Titus Andronicus* and *The Revenger’s Tragedy* may be used.