This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This course will examine the use of carnivalesque elements such as distortion, self-effacement, transgression, destruction of hierarchies, religion and superstition in the presentation and criticism of 20th Century Spanish social, political and cultural contexts. A brief summary of the use of Carnival elements in Spanish Golden Age and Romantic plays will act as background and set the framework for the study of their use in modern theatre.
This module will be taught by means of a two-hour seminar for ten weeks.
100% Coursework.
Indicative reading list:
Valle-Inclán, Ramon del (1991), Mr Punch the Cuckold (Original title: Los cuernos de Don Friolera) Manchester: Manchester University Press
Buero Vallejo, Antonio (1994), Dreamer for the People (Original title Un soñador para un pueblo) London: Aris & Phillips.
Belbel, Sergi (2000), Fourplay (Original title: Tàlem), London: Methuen Drama.
Espriu, Salvador (1989), Story of Esther (Original title: Primera Història d'Esther) the Anglo-Catalan Society Occasional Publications.
Arrabal, Fernando (1999), A Body-Builder's Book of Love (Original Title: Breviario de amor de un halterófilo), Estreno Plays.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Consider evidence, isolate issues and critically evaluate their historical and contemporary significance;
2 Consider and analyse dramatic material as evidence within a study of the carnivalesque in modern Spanish theatre;
3 Demonstrate skills in the analysis and evaluation of contextual material within a study of Spanish theatre history.
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