ENGL07004 2022 Irish Contemporary Drama through the lens of Greek Tragedy

Understand the significance of textual and performance contexts

Explore and critically analyse recurring themes and intertextuality

Analyse the influences of larger historical, cultural and social movements on theatrical form, performance and representation

Present well-informed research in group and individual presentations

Identify and engage with relevant scholarly and journalistic sources when analysing the chosen plays

The module will be delivered using a number of different strategies, for example seminars, workshops, lectures, student and lecturer led discussions, tutorials.

There are two parts to the assessment of this module which is 100% Continuous Assessment.

50% Group Presentation/Project (weeks 6-8).

50% Written Assignment  (end of term).

Repeat requirements will be determined by failed components and will be recorded at Progression and Reward Boards.

Repeat projects will be assigned in the event of a student failing the module.

Many Irish contemporary dramatists such as Brian Friel, Marina Carr, Frank Mc Guinness, have sought inspiration in 5th Century Greek Tragedy, in the plays of Euripides, Sophocles and Aeschylus and therefore knowledge of the cultural and political world they emerged from is essential to gain a deeper understanding of both 5th Century Greek Tragedy and contemporary Irish dramatists use of it in their plays.  The following are examples of the plays that will be explored: Euripides' Medea, Marina Carr's By the Bog of Cats, Hippolytus (Euripides), Brian Friel Living Quarters, Sophocles Electra, Frank Mc Guinness Electra, Antigone by Sophocles and Tom Paulin's "The Riot Act".

1. Understand the significance of textual and performance contexts

Students will be introduced to the cultural and political world of 5th Century Greek Tragedy, and to the three major tragedians Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus as well as to the performance context of the annual theatre festival dedicated to the god Dionysus and to contemporary performance contexts.. 

2. Explore and critically analyse recurring themes and intertextuality

Through in-depth analysis of the form and recurrent themes prevalent within Greek Tragic texts, students will critically explore how they are used in contemporary Irish theatre texts that are based on them in order to re-examine contemporary issues and problems from a fresh perspective using the lens of Greek Theatre.

3.Analyse the influence of larger historical, cultural, social movements on theatrical form, performance and representation

Students will gain an overview of the influences of the larger historical, cultural, political, religious and social forces that shaped both the worlds of the Ancient Greek playwrights as well as contemporary influences that shape theatrical form, performances and representations.

4. Present well-informed research in groups and individual presentations

Throughout the module students will be expected to contribute to class discussions, research, group and individual presentations that show evidence of engagement with the module.

5. Identify and engage with relevant scholarly and journalistic sources when analysing chosen plays.

Students will show written and verbal evidence of engaging with pertinent theoretical perspectives that critically analyse the intertextuality of the Ancient Greek and Contemporary Irish plays based on them as well as issues such as representation and context.