Performing Arabs and Others in Theory and Practice

How deeply must the artist engage to be satisfied with a representation? Is there such a thing as `good representation¿? When must artists persist and when should they resist? In this class, we will dare to make mistakes, challenge formulaic popular critiques and struggle to formulate our personal manifestos on casting. We¿ll let a diverse cast of Arab characters help us in a quarter-long rehearsal of the artist and scholar we wish to be. All course materials are in English, but proficient speakers of Arabic may be given Arabic language texts, if they ask. The majority of the works in our reading list will fit four categories: Orientalist representation, works by Arabs for Arabs, works by non-Arabs for non-Arabs, and works by Arab-Americans. In this class, we learn the theory, practice it, and intelligently attempt to compromise in a deeply flawed and gratifying artform.