EPIC THEATRE: SCENES OF RESISTANCE

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In this immersive scene study class, students will explore the works of revolutionary playwrights such as Bertolt Brecht, Jean Genet, Clifford Odets, Federico García Lorca, and Suzan-Lori Parks. Through focused scene work and key monologues, we will dive into the themes of resistance, societal oppression, and defiance, exploring how these playwrights use theatre as a tool to challenge power structures and ignite social change.

At Wisconsin Classic Stage, our model is built on high-impact theatricalism, where every performance is a deliberate and powerful experience. We approach each project with an uncompromising focus on precision and artistic integrity, emphasizing a disciplined yet joyful collaboration between actor, director, and designer. 

In this class, students will learn how to apply this approach to their scene work, creating moments of theatre that are not only intellectually engaging but emotionally transformative. The course will guide students in refining their performances, incorporating techniques like Brecht’s alienation, Genet’s subversion, and Parks’ intricate dialogue to craft a performance that speaks to both the mind and the heart. Students will focus on one scene and a speech, which they will rehearse, refine, and perform with the goal of creating a high-impact, memorable experience for the audience. 

By the third week, students will be fully immersed in their scene work, honing their technique, delivery, and emotional engagement. The final weeks will be dedicated to perfecting their chosen scenes and speeches, culminating in a final performance where each student will present their work, demonstrating their understanding of resistance theatre and Epic Theatre’s transformative potential. Join us for a class that explores the power of theatre to resist, critique, and challenge, all while embracing Wisconsin Classic Stage’s commitment to precision and high-impact theatrical experiences.