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Center for Studies in Beckett and Contemporary Theatre Practice
Rationale:
The motive
for this center arises from the emergence of the newly created School
of the Arts and the opportunities afforded by the University’s commitment
to the building of its new Center for the Arts with enlarged and enhanced
facilities for performance and artistic collaborations. Centers,
Institutes and Other Special Units ( “CIOSU’s” ) exist to promote scholarship
in teaching, training and/or research, provide academic support services,
and/or perform service or outreach functions consistent with the mission
of the university. (B.2.6 - AFAAP Manual ) One of the primary aims
of the University, embodied in its mission, is to “provide an environment
conducive to excellent faculty and student research, scholarship and
artistry. Another of the University’s aims seeks to “assure the growth
anddevelopment of university students, staff, and faculty.” The goals
and aspirations of the Center match these aims and will additionally
contribute to the visibility and wider academic reputation of our successful
undergraduate theatre program, as well as helping to promote innovation
within the School of the Arts and interdisciplinary research opportunities
within the College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Prince has established an international
profile as a scholar, teacher and director of the theatre of Samuel
Beckett. He is also a recognized playwright with award-winning productions
that explore and experiment with theatre forms and theatre language
in innovatory ways. A number of theatre faculty at CSU have also initiated
or contributed to special projects devoted to the work of Beckett,
including attendance and performance at significant international conferences.
This blend of qualifications, personnel and circumstances provides
the basis for the mission or rationale of the proposed Center.
Photo: Bilingual Production of Samuel Beckett's Catastrophe, September 2007, Directed by Eric Prince
The Center
will promote the creation and documentation of practice and performance
of the work of Samuel Beckett and also of new work that seeks to expand
or challenge the boundaries of contemporary theatre practice. The Center
will encourage interdisciplinary partnerships and artistic collaborations
and will actively seek to develop a national and international presence
and reputation. It will operate as an academic support service in terms
of research, teaching, and outreach in accordance with the overall
mission of the University.
Photo: Production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, 2005, Directed by Eric Prince