Dr. Jennifer Goodlander's course CMLT-C 343 Literature and Politics: Performing Asian/Asian American Identity examines Asian and Asian American performance texts in direct comparison in order to better understand the dynamic relationships between performance and identity as applied to various conceptions and politics regarding Asian identity(s) globally. This class will use lectures, discussions, and creative workshops. This class will primarily focus on Southeast Asia, China, and the United States, and the people living in those places.
An interview with Dr. Jennifer Goodlander, Associate Professor in the Department of Comparative Literature, is below.
How does this course fit the theme of this year’s Themester?
Dr. Goodlander: Identity is often theorized as performance ... we "perform" who we are and those performances differ depending on the situation.
Likewise, theatre and film show identity through performance. We will be focusing on better understanding the different Asian and Asian American identities performed in theatre and film. Also - how do these representations relate to each other? How is representation important to identity?
Why is it important for students to take this course? What knowledge or skills do you hope they gain?
Dr. Goodlander: This class will offer an opportunity to better understand the Asian American experience in a global context.
But students will also develop skills and vocabulary for understanding identity more broadly.
What, to you, is the most interesting aspect of this course? What do you learn from teaching it?
Dr. Goodlander: Much of my own research and teaching has centered on tradition and modernity as expressed in Asian, especially Southeast Asian performance and literature. But the history and practice of performance is more global than that. Asian American playwrights write about Asia and Asian playwrights write about America. The movie Crazy Rich Asians is a great recent example of the internationalization of Asian identities.
Are there any assignments that you are particularly excited about?
Dr. Goodlander: The play Image May Contain by Indiana playwright Yu-Li Alice Shen follows the journey of an unlikely trio of former foster siblings as they wrestle with questions of identity, race, family, and existential dread as they travel to Taiwan to perform Buddhist funeral rites for one of their birth fathers. Partially inspired by Shen's own life, the play is a darkly comic exploration of racial identity, "life-share" culture, and the families we choose. There will be a talk back with the playwright and creative team after the performance.
Sponsored in part by the Departments of Comparative Literature, Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance, the Asian Culture Center, the East-Asia Studies Center, and others, in addition to partnering with the FAR Center for Contemporary Arts, the play and visit by the playwright offer student and community members the opportunity to explore the relationships between Asian, Asian American identities and family. Directed by Jennifer Goodlander, the play also offers actors from different backgrounds to play interesting characters and to expand opportunities for the representation of API and BIPOC identities and voices.
In addition to the public presentation, Shen will also visit with students in CMLT-C 343. We are also looking for other opportunities for her to meet with creative writing and playwrighting students.
What type of students would you encourage to take this course?
Dr. Goodlander: Students interested in theatre and film, students interested in Asia and Asian American identities, histories, and culture. No previous experience is required!
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