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Christopher Balme

Learn how theatre and globalization have affected each other over the past century, and how to conduct your own research on global theatre histories.

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Syllabus

Definitions, Methods, and Resources for Writing Global Theatre Histories
Introductions with definitions of "theatre" and "globalization"; conceptualizing 'global theatre histories'; overview of online resources for researching the history of theatre during the late 19th and 20th centuries.
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Theatre on the move: Migration, Mobility and Modernization
How we can relate migration and mobility to the dissemination of theatre.
Global Players: Actors, Managers and Agents
Actors, Managers, and Theatrical Agents; with a focus on the people who organized the global migration of theatre.
Global Hubs and Local Theatres
Theatre Buildings as 'Cultural Hubs' and 'Contact Zones'; methodologies and concepts for approaching theatres as places where different people, languages, and cultures met and interacted.
East versus West: Cold War Rivaleries
Theatre and the Cold War; theatre as a site of the rivalry between East and West.
Festivalization, Megamusical and Theatrical Global Media
Festivals, Megamusicals, and Livestreaming; how contemporary types of theatre reflect globalization and new technologies.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines the impacts of globalization on theatre and vice versa, providing historical context
Strong emphasis on the historical impact of global forces on theatre

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Reviews summary

Theatre goes transnational

Learners say Theatre and Globalization is largely positive and engaging. Its global focus connects students to the world of theatre and provides new perspectives on the art form. Students appreciate the course's structure, convenience, and guest expert speakers. Assignments are challenging but also rewarding as they allow students to apply their learning to local theatre in their own regions.
Features a structured and organized approach to global theatre.
"Well planned and created. Don't miss the chance to learn and get a global view of theatre."
"this course is thought provoking and insightful"
"This is a wonderfully organized course. A very simple and systematic approach to this field of knowledge."
Encourages critical thinking about the relationship between theatre and globalization.
"I really enjoyed this course and I have learned a lot about theatre at the global level."
"Overall, a course on Theater and Globalization sure e an exciting and valuable learning opportunity for anyone interested in exploring the ways in which theater reflects and shapes cultural identity in a globalized world."
"It was new and informative for me...intriguing enough for us to pursue it further more."
Provides new and insightful perspectives on the history and relevance of theatre.
"An excellent course to think about the contemporary theatre."
"I loved this course ! It gave me a new prospective on how theater has spread across the world and how artists have passed their own traditions across cultural and political borders. "
"Informative , succinct and relevant. Presented in a easy going fashion, it's a course well worth studying for those wishing to understand the historical and current relevance of theatre as a global medium."
Expands knowledge of theatre from a global perspective.
"Good course for enhancing knowledge and information."
"I simply Loved this course! It was great to see how theater moved around the world and mixed different cultures together."
"What a wonderful course! Great lectures, including many with guest expert speakers from around the globe."
Assignments complicate the learning process, but reinforce the concepts and encourage application.
"The “Peer-graded” system is UNREASONABLE"
"I really enjoyed this course and I have learned a lot about theatre at the global level. Maybe the assignments are a little complicated"
"It was really hard and difficult"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Theatre and Globalization with these activities:
Review the book "Theatre and Globalization" by Christopher Balme.
Provides an in-depth understanding of the concepts and theories surrounding theatre and globalization.
Show steps
  • Read the book "Theatre and Globalization" by Christopher Balme.
  • Summarize the main arguments of the book.
  • Evaluate the book's strengths and weaknesses.
  • Write a review of the book.
Start a blog or website about global theatre.
Provides a platform for students to share their knowledge and passion for global theatre.
Show steps
  • Choose a name for your blog or website.
  • Set up your blog or website.
  • Write and publish your first post.
Research theatre history and download the results.
Reinforces concepts of theatre and globalization through hands-on research.
Show steps
  • Find a topic in theatre history that interests you.
  • Research the topic using online resources.
  • Download the results of your research.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Write a script for a short play that explores a global theme.
Provides an outlet for students to creatively apply their understanding of global theatre themes.
Show steps
  • Choose a global theme to explore.
  • Develop characters and a plot that reflect the theme.
  • Write a draft of the script.
  • Revise and edit the script.
  • Share the script with others for feedback.
Follow a tutorial on how to write a research paper on global theatre.
Improves research and writing skills and provides guidance for writing academic papers on global theatre.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on how to write a research paper on global theatre.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial.
  • Write a draft of your research paper.
  • Revise and edit your research paper.
  • Submit your research paper.
Create a video essay that analyzes a global theatre performance.
Enhances critical thinking and analytical skills by requiring students to analyze and interpret a global theatre performance.
Show steps
  • Choose a global theatre performance to analyze.
  • Research the performance and its context.
  • Develop a thesis statement for your essay.
  • Write a script for your video essay.
  • Record and edit your video essay.
Compile your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Assists in retention of course material and prepares students for assessments.
Show steps
  • Gather your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Organize the materials.
  • Review the materials regularly.

Career center

Learners who complete Theatre and Globalization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
University Lecturer
University Lecturers teach undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing guidance and instruction in their chosen field of study. They may also conduct research, publish papers, and attend conferences. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for University Lecturers who want to broaden their understanding of theatre history and its relationship to globalization. The course can help them to develop new teaching materials and to engage with students in discussions about the impact of globalization on theatre.
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions, as well as acquiring, preserving, and interpreting museum collections. They may also conduct research, publish papers, and give lectures. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Museum Curators who want to develop exhibitions on the history of theatre and its relationship to globalization. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre has been used to represent and interpret global events.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study the cultures of different societies, past and present. They may conduct fieldwork, interview people, and analyze data in order to understand how different cultures work. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Cultural Anthropologists who want to study the role of theatre in different cultures. The course can help them to understand how theatre is used to express cultural values, beliefs, and practices.
Historian
Historians research and write about the past. They may specialize in a particular period of history, a particular region, or a particular topic. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Historians who want to study the history of theatre and its relationship to globalization. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre has been used to represent and interpret global events.
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for acquiring, preserving, and making accessible historical documents and artifacts. They may also conduct research, publish papers, and give lectures. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Archivists who want to develop archives on the history of theatre and its relationship to globalization. The course can help them to understand the different types of documents and artifacts that can be used to document the history of theatre.
Writer
Writers create written content, such as books, articles, and scripts. They may work for a variety of employers, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and publishing houses. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Writers who want to write about the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Editor
Editors review, edit, and revise written content. They may work for a variety of employers, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and publishing houses. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Editors who want to work on content related to the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Journalists who want to report on the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Librarian
Librarians help people to find and access information. They may work in public libraries, academic libraries, or special libraries. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Librarians who want to develop collections on the history of theatre and its relationship to globalization. The course can help them to understand the different types of resources that are available on this topic.
Playwright
Playwrights write stage plays. They may work for a variety of employers, including theaters, publishing houses, and independent production companies. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Playwrights who want to write plays about the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Actor
Actors perform in stage plays, films, and other media content. They may work for a variety of employers, including theaters, film studios, and independent production companies. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Actors who want to work on projects related to the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Director
Directors oversee the production of stage plays and films. They may work for a variety of employers, including theaters, film studios, and independent production companies. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Directors who want to work on projects related to the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Producer
Producers oversee the production of films, television shows, and other media content. They may work for a variety of employers, including studios, networks, and independent production companies. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Producers who want to work on projects related to the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Teacher
Teachers instruct students in a variety of subjects, including English, Math, Science, and History. They may work in public schools, private schools, or charter schools. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Teachers who want to teach about the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Theater Manager
A Theatre Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a theatre. They are responsible for managing the staff, budget, and marketing of the theatre. They also work with the artistic director to plan the season's programming. A course on Theatre and Globalization may be useful for Theatre Managers who want to develop a better understanding of the global theatre landscape. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Theatre and Globalization.
This (2021) edited collection includes essays from over 50 contributors exploring global theatre and performance. Owing to its large number of contributors, this comprehensive volume offers a wide-ranging set of perspectives and case studies that will supplement the course's materials.
This introductory textbook (2019) provides a broad overview of theatre and performance. It offers a solid foundation in theatre studies that will help students new to the discipline.
This textbook (11th edition, 2016) provides a comprehensive overview of theatre history, theory, and practice. It would be a helpful reference for students taking this course.
This classic work (first published in 1968) by renowned theatre director Peter Brook explores the nature of theatre and its relationship to the audience. It must-read for anyone interested in theatre.
This seminal work by Augusto Boal (first published in 1979) explores the potential of theatre as a tool for social and political change. It would provide students with a valuable perspective on the role of theatre in society.
This important study (1998) explores the ways in which Shakespeare's work has been interpreted and performed in postcolonial contexts. It would provide students with a valuable perspective on the global reach of Shakespeare's work.
This (2009) monograph provides a comprehensive overview of theatre in Latin America. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in the global reach of theatre.
This (1995) study explores the relationship between theatre and politics in Africa. It would provide students with a valuable perspective on the role of theatre in postcolonial societies.
This (2012) volume provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese theatre history. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in the global reach of theatre.
This (2016) handbook provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese theatre history and theory. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in the global reach of theatre.

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