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£145 for the full course (5 sessions).
This course is designed for participants who have completed the Plays 1 course.
Course outline:
“Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious… through pity and fear effecting the proper catharsis of these emotions.” — Aristotle, Poetics, c. 335 BCE
In this 5-session course, we will engage with the rich and dynamic genre of plays as a way to examine complex themes and encounter new perspectives.
In Ancient Greece, theatre was closely connected to ideas of wellbeing; dramatic performances were believed to support emotional, psychological, social, and even spiritual health. Tragedy, in particular, was thought to allow audiences to experience catharsis—the safe expression and release of powerful emotions—helping to restore emotional balance. Theatre was culturally linked to healing practices and was understood as part of a wider approach to health and self-understanding.
Across the course, we will not only learn about the plays and their themes but also use set texts as prompts to process emotions, reflect on behaviour, and gain insight into our own challenges and experiences. Through guided discussion, therapeutic writing, and group work, participants will be encouraged to engage with drama as a living, reflective practice.
The course is suitable for anyone interested in reading or writing plays, as well as for those looking to find deeper meaning and connection through shared engagement with literature. The classes are underpinned by a collaborative, caring ethos creating a supportive space for reflection and discussion, therapeutic writing and creative response. Though the plays may deal with challenging material, we will aim to find glimmers of hope and insight that can help deepen understanding and offer direction.
All classes will run in the Reading Rooms at Books on the Hill, from 10.15am – 12pm on selected Fridays listed below. To gain most from each session, participants will be expected to have read the text before class.
Session 1 – Friday 18 September (10.15am-12pm at Books on the Hill)
Exploring marriage and relationships, reality and illusion
Set text: Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Edward Albee
Session 2 – Friday 9 October (10.15am-12pm at Books on the Hill)
Exploring memory, nostalgia, change and loss
Set text: Dancing at Lughnasa - Brian Friel
Session 3 – Friday 23 October (10.15am-12pm at Books on the Hill)
Exploring family dynamics, division and community
Set text: Till the stars come down - Beth Steel
Session 4 – Friday 13 November (10.15am-12pm at Books on the Hill)
Exploring self-discovery, transformation, freedom and escape
Set text: Shirley Valentine – Willy Russell
Session 5 – Friday 27 November (10.15am-12pm at Books on the Hill)
Exploring wasted potential, regret and finding meaning
Set text: Uncle Vanya – Anton Chekhov
£145 for the full course (5 sessions).
This course is designed for participants who have completed the Plays 1 course.
Course outline:
“Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious… through pity and fear effecting the proper catharsis of these emotions.” — Aristotle, Poetics, c. 335 BCE
In this 5-session course, we will engage with the rich and dynamic genre of plays as a way to examine complex themes and encounter new perspectives.
In Ancient Greece, theatre was closely connected to ideas of wellbeing; dramatic performances were believed to support emotional, psychological, social, and even spiritual health. Tragedy, in particular, was thought to allow audiences to experience catharsis—the safe expression and release of powerful emotions—helping to restore emotional balance. Theatre was culturally linked to healing practices and was understood as part of a wider approach to health and self-understanding.
Across the course, we will not only learn about the plays and their themes but also use set texts as prompts to process emotions, reflect on behaviour, and gain insight into our own challenges and experiences. Through guided discussion, therapeutic writing, and group work, participants will be encouraged to engage with drama as a living, reflective practice.
The course is suitable for anyone interested in reading or writing plays, as well as for those looking to find deeper meaning and connection through shared engagement with literature. The classes are underpinned by a collaborative, caring ethos creating a supportive space for reflection and discussion, therapeutic writing and creative response. Though the plays may deal with challenging material, we will aim to find glimmers of hope and insight that can help deepen understanding and offer direction.
All classes will run in the Reading Rooms at Books on the Hill, from 10.15am – 12pm on selected Fridays listed below. To gain most from each session, participants will be expected to have read the text before class.
Session 1 – Friday 18 September (10.15am-12pm at Books on the Hill)
Exploring marriage and relationships, reality and illusion
Set text: Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Edward Albee
Session 2 – Friday 9 October (10.15am-12pm at Books on the Hill)
Exploring memory, nostalgia, change and loss
Set text: Dancing at Lughnasa - Brian Friel
Session 3 – Friday 23 October (10.15am-12pm at Books on the Hill)
Exploring family dynamics, division and community
Set text: Till the stars come down - Beth Steel
Session 4 – Friday 13 November (10.15am-12pm at Books on the Hill)
Exploring self-discovery, transformation, freedom and escape
Set text: Shirley Valentine – Willy Russell
Session 5 – Friday 27 November (10.15am-12pm at Books on the Hill)
Exploring wasted potential, regret and finding meaning
Set text: Uncle Vanya – Anton Chekhov