This course explores Asian identity in theatre and performance in the global context.

How are Asians represented in works created by Asian artists and artists from other cultural backgrounds? What challenges and progress do Asian theatre and performance face in the historical and contemporary world of multiple cultures?

Students will engage with various modes of performing Asia on the global stage, including theatre Orientalism, intercultural theatre, diaspora theatre and performance, and theatre translation. At the end of this semester, students will gain a deeper understanding of the nebulous connections between theatre and performance and ethnic and cultural identity.

Instructors are welcome to utilize resources provided in this open syllabus for their classes within the parameters of the Creative Commons licence. Note that for each week, this syllabus provides a diverse pool of open-access and non-open-access readings and resources. Instructors may choose which ones to use based on the students’ institutional support for access.