Drama: Page and Stage - 20074

This two-course connection is informed by course content as well as theatre history and a cultural connection between Russian and American drama. The history of American acting technique owes a specific debt to a Russian actor/director, Konstantin Stanislavsky. Stanislavsky’s professional life developed first in Russia, where he collaborated closely with playwright Anton Chekhov. In the U.S., the “Stanislavsky system” of performance training, evolved, taught and adapted by students and admirers of Stanislavsky, became a basic component of American acting classes. Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, his plays and his work with Stanislavsky form key components of both courses.

In THEA 211  students further refine their own stage techniques and a significant portion of their work centers around a Chekhov project. In RUSS 203  students explore in context the pivotal role Chekhov played for Russian drama and for Russian stage technique.

Scheduling note:
Students interested in this connection should note that RUSS 203  is taught approximately once every three years-although adjustments may be possible. If you are interested and concerned about this rotation, please contact the Russian and Russian Studies department.