You will have the exciting and unique chance to experience and study London%E2%80%99s vibrant theatre scene on this module. You will see the shows, but will also learn about performance through tours of theatrical venues and visits to cultural sites within London. Using a range of texts the module begins with an investigation of London%E2%80%99s theatrical past and how it is presented today in the museum, archive and so-called %E2%80%98heritage%E2%80%99 theatre. We will move on to West End performance, examining its historic roots and its current commercial success. Finally, we will consider the socio-political trends in contemporary theatre, including site-specificity and new playwriting.

Target group
This course would be suitable for anyone interested in theatre, performance and plays or crafts of theatre making, such as acting and playwriting as well as anyone seeking to improve their critical responses to and analysis of performance.

Course aim
The aims of this module are:To develop an understanding of the main contours of London's theatre history: from its birth in the Renaissance period, to its commercial growth in the eighteenth and nineteenth century West End and, finally, contemporary and modern developments;To experience and analyse diverse performances from London's theatre scene;To acquire the vocabulary and language for analysing theatre and performance in general;To gain an appreciation of contemporary debates around London's theatre industry such as the role of 'heritage' or 'reconstruction' theatre, commercialisation, trends in modern playwriting and the move away from traditional theatre spaces.

Fee info
GBP 1500: tuition fee only

King's College London
Address: Strand, London
Postal code: WC2R 2LS
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/summer
E-mail: summerschool@kcl.ac.uk
Phone: +44 20 7848 1533