Sex and Violence in Performance

This course is structured around a series of case studies of particular moments in the history of the representation of sex and violence in dramatic and musical performances. While these themes have been often regarded as taboo, the history of performance shows that we have never been able to resist these themes for long. Indeed, considering dangerous ideas through the medium of performance is one of the most valuable contributions music and drama can make to civilization.

To some degree, the history of sex and violence in performance is a history of changing tastes and changing morals. With that in mind, we will try to avoid two pitfalls that could threaten to put an end to useful discussion: excessive censoriousness and mindless titillation. To put the point plainly, it is not our business to attack and sanctimoniously lecture those living in earlier ages for not being as enlightened as ourselves. But neither does this mean that we should take an entirely uncritical attitude. The possibility of real learning falls somewhere in between.

Note: Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.