Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/global-theatre
In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding the forces that shape our cultural landscapes is more crucial than ever. Coursera’s “Theatre and Globalization” course offers a fascinating deep dive into the intricate relationship between theatrical performance and the broader currents of globalization over the past century. This course is not just for theatre aficionados; it’s for anyone interested in cultural exchange, historical analysis, and how societies interact on a global scale.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, beginning with foundational concepts. The initial module, “Definitions, Methods, and Resources for Writing Global Theatre Histories,” effectively sets the stage by defining key terms like ‘theatre’ and ‘globalization’ and introducing students to the wealth of online resources available for researching global theatre histories, particularly from the late 19th and 20th centuries. This is an invaluable starting point for anyone looking to conduct their own research.
From there, the course moves into compelling thematic areas. “Theatre on the move: Migration, Mobility and Modernization” explores how the movement of people has directly influenced the spread and evolution of theatrical forms. Following this, “Global Players: Actors, Managers and Agents” shines a light on the often-overlooked individuals who orchestrated this global theatrical migration, highlighting their vital role in shaping the industry.
The course then delves into the physical spaces of theatre in “Global Hubs and Local Theatres.” This module examines theatre buildings not just as venues, but as dynamic ‘cultural hubs’ and ‘contact zones’ where diverse peoples, languages, and cultures converged and interacted. It provides robust methodologies for analyzing these spaces as sites of cultural negotiation.
“East versus West: Cold War Rivalries” offers a critical look at how theatre became a battleground for ideological conflict during the Cold War, demonstrating its power as a tool of soft power and cultural diplomacy. Finally, the course concludes with “Festivalization, Megamusical and Theatrical Global Media,” bringing the discussion into the contemporary era by examining how modern phenomena like global festivals, the megamusical, and even livestreaming are direct manifestations of globalization and technological advancement in theatre.
Overall, “Theatre and Globalization” is an exceptionally well-curated course. It balances historical context with contemporary relevance, provides practical research skills, and offers a nuanced perspective on how theatre reflects and shapes our globalized world. I highly recommend this course to students, researchers, and anyone curious about the interconnectedness of culture and society.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/global-theatre