2016 MALS ARTS IN LONDON PROGRAM
What role do the arts play as commentary and critique on contemporary life?
What can the arts of the past say to us? How do the various performing arts (theater,
opera, dance) relate to each other? What is the relationship between the performing
arts and the visual arts? These are big questions that we shall try to address as we
immerse ourselves in London culture for two weeks of classes, excursions and
performances. London has been a center of the visual and performing arts for over
500 years and England is a country (perhaps the only country) where drama is still
a central part of the culture.
Instructor
The program is led by Dr. John M. Clum, Professor Emeritus of Theater Studies
and English. John has led Duke’s MALS, undergraduate and alumni London theater
programs for over twenty-five years. He is the author of eight books and numerous
articles on modern British and American drama and musical theater. He is also a
playwright and director of over seventy-five professional and university theatrical
and operatic productions. John has twice won Duke’s Outstanding Professor Award.
The program will also feature visits by leading British performers.
Dates
London Sunday June 26 (depart) – Saturday July 9 (return). In residence June 27July 8
Accommodation
Participants will be housed in Frances Gardner House of University College, London.
Single rooms have private baths and are arranged in suites, each with a large shared
kitchen. Frances Gardner House is conveniently located off of the Grays Inn Road. It
is close to public transport and walking distance to a modern shopping center and
reasonably priced restaurants.
All participants will be required to purchase London Transport Oystercards that will
give them unlimited travel within central London.
London Classes
Class will be held from 9:00-11:00 every morning (unless otherwise announced) in
the Quiet Room at Langton Close Residence Hall (next door to Frances Gardner
House).The classes include lectures and discussions of the performances you will
see and Q and A sessions with guest artists.
Written Work
1. Before the program begins, student will be required to participate in online
discussions of assigned reading. This is so all the reading and much of the writing
will be done before you leave for London. Assignments will be made as soon as we
determine what productions will be seen.
2. All students taking the course for credit will submit a 12-15 page paper due at the
end of the Summer Term II (August 11, 2016). The paper will focus on some aspect
of the performances seen and studied in London. Paper topics are due for approval
before the end of the London trip.
Possible Performances are likely to include
Terrence Rattigan’s THE DEEP BLUE SEA, Berthold Brecht and Kurt Weill’s
THREEPENNY OPERA and Annie Baker’s Pulitzer Prize winning play THE FLICK at
the Royal National Theatre.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Shakespeare’s Globe
Verdi’s NABUCCO at the Royal Opera
Course Fees
The fee for Duke students taking the course for credit is $5522 US*. The fee includes
 GLS tuition, billed by the Bursar ($3822 – only this portion of the cost is
subject to GLS scholarship or employer tuition assistance)
 Single en-suite room with internet access at University College London for 12
nights
 Theatre tickets
 Opening and closing dinners
 RNT backstage tour
 Transportation to and entrance fees for field trips
The fee for alumni and SFU students (not earning Duke course credit) is $2900 US.
Not included in course fees: Additional expenses (approximately $2200-$2600)
include air transportation, ground transportation to and from the airport, weekly
London Travel Pass, course texts, meals (except opening and closing dinners), and
any personal expenses.
Application and Payment: The program is designed to meet the needs of both the
novice with an interest in theater and the drama aficionado. Registration in the
program is on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to currently
enrolled Duke students. The application and a non-refundable deposit of $750 must
be received by January 8, 2016. The balance ($950 for Duke students/$2150 for
auditors) is due on April 30, 2016. Checks should be made out to Duke University
and mailed to Graduate Liberal Studies, Duke University, Box 90095, Durham, NC
27708-0095.
*Costs above tuition and costs for auditors are based on current exchange rates. GLS
reserves the right to adjust the cost based on unforeseen increases in the exchange
rate.
NOTE: If you plan to attend the program, make sure you have a passport that is still
valid six months after your return. If you do not have a passport or need to renew your
passport, start the application process ASAP.
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Sample Schedule
As I don’t yet know exactly what will be playing in London next June/July, this is only a
sample schedule.
Day 1 (Monday June 27)
Arrival at Frances Gardner House.
2:30 pm Walkabout of area. Visit to supermarket.
4 pm Orientation meeting with Prof. Clum.
Day 2 (Tuesday June 28)
9:00 Class
11:00 Special session for MALS students taking course for credit. Briefing on written
assignment.
2:00 Meet in front of residence hall for walkabout of Covent Garden area (weather
permitting)
Opening dinner
7:30 Performance
Day 3 (Wednesday June 29)
9:00 Class
Excursion to the Museum of London
7:30 Dance performance at Sadlers Wells Theatre, the major dance venue in London
Day 4 (Thursday June 30)
9:30 Class. Workshop in speaking Shakespeare with guest actor
2:00 Performance. Shakespeare’s Globe
7:30 evening performance
Day 5 (Friday July 1)
9:00 Class
12:30 Backstage Tour of Royal National Theatre
7:30 Performance Royal National Theatre of Great Britain
2pm Matinee performance.
Day 6 (Saturday July 2)
Day 7 (Sunday July 3)
FREE DAY
Day 8 (Monday July 4)
9:00 Class.
7:30 Performance of a new musical
Day 9 (Tuesday July 5)
9:00 Class. Guest singer
2:00 pm Backstage Tour of Royal Opera House
7 pm Performance.. Royal Opera House
Day 10 (Wednesday July 6)
9:00 Class. Guest actor or director.
7:30 theatrical performance
Day 11 (Thursday July 7)
9:00 Class
Extra Session for MALS students taking course for credit – discussion of paper
topics. PAPER TOPICS DUE AT THIS SESSION.
7:30 theatrical performance
9:00 Final class.
5:00 Final Dinner
7:30 Performance
Check out and return to USA
Day 12 (Friday July 8)
Day 13 (Saturday July 9)
Thursday August 11, 2016: final papers due for MALS students taking course
for credit.