DESCRIPTION: This course explore the theological meaning of the event known as
theatre. Theatre occurs, in part, when one tells the story by
manifesting--incarnating--the story. As Christian disciples we are invited to
tell the story of the gospel by embodying it in our daily lives. This course
will explore three theological categories that define the theatrical event:
Incarnation, Community, and Presence. These three categories will be developed
in light of their theological corollaries: Christology, Trinity and
Sacramentality. Using these three categories, we will explore the history of
theatre and its relationship to the church, as well as the current issues
existing between theatre and the Christian faith. We will do this against the
backdrop of prevailing cultural narratives and a developing culture of
sensationalism.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: The primary goal of this course is to develop a
conversation between theology and theatre. Exploring criteria from theology
(incarnation, community, presence) and theatre (ritual, performance,
rehearsal), we will use theatre to illumine theology and theology to shed light
on theatrical processes. To do this the students will (1) explore the
intersection of theatre and Christian discipleship, (2) learn the history of
the relationship between Christianity and theatre, (3) examine how a
theology of the body might inform acting theories, (4) investigate how theatre
intersects with Christian worship and (5) appreciate the role of theatre in the
recreational life of a Christian.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: When a person attends a performance, such as a concert
or a play, one expects "something will happen" and is disappointed when these
expectations are not met. How does the Christian faith evaluate these cultural
expectations? How ought the church respond when these criteria are placed upon
the church's evangelism and worship? This class invites a two-way dialogue
which evokes wisdom from the theatre arts on how to improve the communication
of the gospel in a media-driven culture, while at the same time offers a
Christian appraisal of the cultural expectations placed on the dramatic arts as
an incarnate art form.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will be conducted online through postings and chat
and will culminate with a week-long intensive meeting at Fuller in Pasadena
July 7-11 from 9-5 each day. On Wednesday or Thursday evening that week, the
class will attend a play together. Class will involve discussion of readings,
as well as approaches to applying the concepts in the class to pastoral praxis
and theatre.
REQUIRED READING: