MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS

Arts Undergraduate Handbook 1996

Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996

ENH2100

Postcolonial drama

R Fensham

Synopsis This subject involves comparative analyses of contemporary drama and theatre from Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. The focus is on texts and performance traditions that respond to the experience of colonisation, and that involve issues of race, gender and identity. Special emphasis will be given to indigenous theatre, ritual, carnival and popular culture forms. Secondary reading in postcolonial criticism is required and ideas and issues raised will be related to the work under discussion. Workshops will involve practical exploration of different approaches and texts.

Assessment Tutorial participation and presentation (1500 words): 20% + Short exercise (1000 words): 20% + Long essay (3500 words): 60%

Prescribed texts

• Cathcart S The Serpent's fall Currency
• Chi J Bran Nue Dae Currency
• Devi M Five plays Collier Macmillan
• Friel B Translations Faber
• Fugard A Statements OUP
• Hewett D The man from Mukinupin Currency
• Nowra L The golden age Currency
• Renée Wednesday to come Victoria U P
• Shange N For coloured girls Seagull books

Recommended texts

• Ashcroft B and others The empire writes back: Theory and practice in post-colonial literature Routledge
• Narogin Writing from the fringe Hyland House