French Theater Through the Ages

Today's most admired French plays were often deeply controversial when first performed. In this course, we will study a selection of plays that elicited heated arguments, from quarrels in the press to all out war in the auditorium. This will allow us to explore issues unique to different literary movements, as well as trans-historical questions concerning the political and moral value of theater. Authors include Corneille, Molière, Beaumarchais, Chénier, Hugo, Jarry and Genet. Readings and discussions in French.