“CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE: THE KO FESTIVAL”
ENG 397KO 
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST

The course will utilize the performance season of the Ko Festival of Performance in Amherst as a basis for an exploration of the contemporary performance landscape, including devised work, ensemble theatre, performance art, and solo performance. Incorporating readings, attendance at performances and pre – and post-performance discussions, as well as weekly on-line assignments, the course will explore a range of themes related to the overall theme of the Ko Festival season, and the specific artists and performances presented. This year’s theme is Secrets. What are our secret sorrows and secret joys? Where does the desire to tell intersect with the desire to hide? Emily Dickinson had something to say (and conceal) about that. So do Laurie McCants, Ghost Road and the other artists in KoFest 2011.

July 8 – August 5
Blended on-line/in-person course
Meets Fridays, 6 – 10 pm; Holden Theatre, Amherst College

3 credits (non-credit registration also available)

Please note that tickets must be purchased separately.

Registration begins March 14, 2011

If you are interested in taking it for credit, please visit
http://www.umassulearn.net/classes/summer-2011/online?view=class&clid=8360

If you are interested in taking it as a non-credit class, please visit:
http://www.umassulearn.net/classes/summer-2011/noncredit?view=class&clid=8336

Dr. Kermit Dunkelberg (Instructor) has a PhD in Performance Studies from New York University, and is an actor with Pilgrim Theatre Research and Performance Collaborative. He has led audience-performer discussions at the Ko Festival of Performance for the past six years, and has frequently written about the Festival for Theatre Journal. He currently teaches Ritual and Performances Studies at Emerson College in Boston. Contact: kermit.dunkelberg@gmail.com