Performing Political Economy

This program invites students to learn about capitalism through the study of theater and political economy. Playwrights have shown, in many ways, how people have been affected by the economic system they inhabit. For example:

• Enemy of the People (Ibsen): The doctor, who is a hero to the town because of what he discovered, is turned into criminal because of what he discovered.
• The Good Person of Szechwan (Brecht): As a woman, the main character is generous and kind to her relatives. As a man, he enslaves them.
• Can't Pay? Don't Pay! (Fo): The women steal groceries, and their husbands are terrified of those "criminals.''

If all the world’s a stage and all of us are merely players, how might plays help us make sense of our current parts in this world? How did capitalism enter "the world stage''? How has it evolved and how (said with a voice of cheerful enthusiasm) might it exit? Why didn't Steve Jobs say: "We've sold 47 iPhones. That's enough. Let's do something else.'' Why DID Steve Jobs keep making iPhones? (Why do capitalist companies have to keep on increasing profits? Why CAN'T they be satisfied by making X number of iPhones?)

In analyzing the interplay between the structure of political regimes from above and collective struggles for liberation from below, we’ll explore the roles played by ordinary people in challenging power structures - striving to shape their socio-economic conditions, even as they are shaped by them. Students will participate in giving regular presentations on political economy. Students will also give regular presentations from the plays that we will read and discuss, along with reading or acting out scenes.

In the last two weeks of the quarter, students, in groups, will write short plays about our current political economy and our current human behavior. In week 10, the plays will be read aloud to the class, and, if the class wishes, will be read (or performed) for a public audience. The class may attend appropriate theatrical performances at regional theaters.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies

4 - Theater and the Performing Arts
4 - Political Economy
4 - Feminist Theory
4 - Student Presentations on Political Economy