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Students can study a wide range of dramatic texts, from Ancient Greek times to the present day, and develop an understanding of the principal developments in European Theatre. They can benefit from the Lakeside Theatre, which has been established as a major venue for excellent drama, known for a commitment to new writing for the stage. Not only do many professional touring companies bring their productions of new plays to the Lakeside Theatre but there has been a wealth of new work produced by its own staff and students. An essential element of the Lakeside Theatre’s program has been the opportunity it gives students to write or direct new plays, as well as re-define classics and re-discover neglected masterpieces. Topics covered in the modules include: Transforming dramatic texts into dramatic performance Comedy, tragedy and the development of genre, both in theory and practice Gender and sexual politics on stage Writing for theater Translating novels for the screen Writing of the US South The commitment to the student experience is why the Department is ranked first for drama in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and top 5 for dance, drama and cinematics The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020. The students love them too; 94% of their drama students expressed overall satisfaction with their course (NSS 2020).
