CALS 365, Chicano/Latino Theater

Spring 2008

Dr. Elizabeth C-Martínez
Nichols 212, tel. 664-3161
Office hrs: W 2-3; Th 3-4, and by appt.

No required text.

Objectives:

The principal objective of this class is to rehearse and perform a Latino-themed play by a prominent writer of Latino ethnicity. Students will first read a selection of plays, accessed through the online Latino Literature database, and the class as a whole will select one specific play to rehearse and perform on campus toward the end of this very semester.

The plays considered evaluate the depiction of cultural conflict and assimilation, family and gender issues, and socio-political pressures experienced by U.S. Latinos during the late 20th century. Active participation and discussion in class is required by all students. Students can select to do acting, directing scenes, and designing props and the stage.

N.B.: In order to search for drama on this database,

follow these instructions:

Open the Latino Literature database, click on the "Browse" tab. A statement will appear: ("Note that this browse does not yet include drama. There are 380 plays available in the 2006 version of Latino Literature. Alexander Street Press will be integrating this material into the current site shortly"). Click on the link "2006 version" and from the Table of Contents of the plays, scroll down to find the appropriate titles.

Note: This class fulfills the category of "visual or performance arts"

required for teacher-preparation programs.

Required Reading:

The Ring of General Macías (1943) by Josefina Niggli

This Bull Ate Nutmeg (1943) by Josefina Niggli

Bernabé (1990) by Luis Valdés

Los vendidos (1990) by Luis Valdés

Beautiful Señoritas (1994) by Dolores Prida

Our Lady of the Tortilla (1987) Luis Santeiro

Course grading:

Midterm test: 30% / Performance: 70%

CALENDAR

Class meets Thursdays, once a week, at 4 p.m. for two hours, but schedule could change for rehearsals and per best times for students:

Final performance will occur at a different hour, scheduled on campus.

Return to instructor home page 

This page last updated: 29 January 2008