FSEM 100T8 | Irish Theatre and Political Reform 

Interested in theatre, social justice, and the social history of Ireland? If so, then you’re in the right place. In this FSEM, students will learn about theatre and the political environment in Ireland by looking at key moments in the 20th century and their relationship to the plays that were written at the time. Students will read plays by Irish playwrights and use the historical context discussed in class lectures to examine how the text fits into the political climate. We’ll see how some playwrights worked for social reform, while some sought to change opinions and others simply sought to get conversations started. This class will encourage each student to form their individual ideas based upon a synthesis of their individual research and their personal worldviews.

Photo of Bridgette Dennett, Assistant Professor of Theatre

Bridgette Dennett, Assistant Professor of Theatre

I’m currently an Assistant Professor of Theatre here at UMW. My background is in Scenic Design, so you’ll often find me teaching design courses or building and painting scenery in the Klein Theatre. I graduated with a BA in Theatre Design from the University of South Florida and an MFA in Theatre Design from Indiana University. (After endless summer followed by bitter cold winters, I’m quite happy to have found the sweet spot for moderate weather here in Fredericksburg!) Professionally, I’m active in the theatrical scene painting world; I serve as vice chair for the Guild of Scenic Artists, so I get to stay in conversation with a lot of incredibly talented artists quite regularly. I also design productions here at UMW, such as the recent musicals Fun Home and Ordinary Days, and once a year I’ll design theatre for young audiences at the Rose Theatre of Omaha.