This course will focus on African American performance forms and guide students in writing and devising original writing for the stage based on required critical readings, memory, storytelling, and interactive performance exercises. This seminar will be devoted to reading primary sources, theory, and writing performance in experimental, critical, experience, historical, and imagination based modes. We begin with exercises that ignite the imagination and spur our writing. We will discuss theoretical essays on theatrical jazz and solo performance in deepen our knowledge and insight into new plays and practices. Readings, screenings, and audio assignments include authors and performers Omi Osun Joni L. Jones, Ntozake Shange, Adrienne Kennedy, Sharon Bridgforth, and Langston Hughes among others. Performances and essays will serve as models and provide prompts for our original work. We’ll write and critique passages and presentations of text, script, description, and poetry generated by participants during the quarter.