Queer Onstage

Queer: a cultural/social/political/literary/dramatic construct that describes many aspects of human experience including attraction to people of many genders; not fitting into cultural norms around sexuality and/or gender identity/expression; that which is non-heterosexual, transgressive, revolutionary, anti-assimilation, challenging of the status quo; an epithet or slur for someone perceived to be gay or lesbian; eccentric or unusually different; singular; of a questionable nature or character; suspicious; unusual or strange or fabulous. 

This course explores significant dramatic texts that have shaped and expressed the changing nature of LGBTQ identity during the past 65 years. Readings, viewings, lectures, and discussion focus on noteworthy American and British queer plays as literature, history, cultural documents, and performance as seen through the lens of contemporary queer theories and knowledge. For many decades, playwrights depicted gay characters, stories, and themes in coded subtexts. Following Stonewall, the Gay Rights movement, and the AIDS pandemic, queer theater took on new freedom, activist power, and social significance. By analyzing these texts for their relevance to society and our lives, we will evaluate and explore a range of topics including sexual identity, gender identity, religious and political views on queerness, the evolution of LGBTQ culture, outsider communities, drag performance, homophobia, assimilation and appropriation, and coming out. Students are asked to bring a willingness to listen, question, and respect diverse identity expressions and viewpoints.