Focus 2814 - Focus: Literary Culture of Modern Ireland & Irish America: Modern and Contemporary Irish Drama

Institution:

Washington University in St Louis

Subject:

Description:

Building on students' coverage of the early days of Dublin's Abbey Theatre, this segment focuses on (mostly) living Irish playwrights whose work develops familiar themes in unfamiliar ways. Brian Friel, whose long career recently was recognized by an elite council of Irish Arts, is represented by Translations and Dancing at Lughnasa. We read plays by Marina Carr, the most important Irish woman playwright since Lady Gregory, often described as "Greek" for her scorching fatalism. Continuity with Synge is evident in work by Martin McDonagh, as is his transformation of Irish stereotypes into grotesques and deep resources of dark humor. Conor McPherson's Shining City is not yet ready to banish a ghost from a psychiatrist's office. Other playwrights likely to be represented include Tom Kilroy and Christina Reid. It is notable that the work of three of these playwrights was produced in New York recently and nominated for Tony awards.

Credits:

1.50

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wustl.edu

Phone Number:

(314) 935-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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