DRAMA 577 A: Seminar In Theatre History

This course explores the performative aspects of sites of disaster, economic and environmental tragedy, and human violence—capitalized upon by the burgeoning tourism industry while also promising deeper experiential learning about the world around us. From tourist attractions featuring immersive simulations of Vietkong tunnels in Vietnam, to death camps and Rwandan sites of genocide, these performances have by turns tantalized the tourist’s desire for tragedy and offered poignant destinations for redress and empathy. Readings in Saidiri Hartman, Willis, Clark, Sion, Lennon and Foley, Patraka, Alvarez, and field trips to dark tourism sites in the area.