Charles Chamberlain
Tuesdays 1:00-3:30 PM
September 30 November 18, 2003
Wheelock Terrace
Using lectures, films, readings, discussion and live skits, we will examine 20th century American comedy to the 1950's, including burlesque, vaudeville, movies, radio, and TV. We will read, hear, and see examples by practitioners of the art such as Smith & Dale, Laurel & Hardy, W.C. Fields, and the Marx Brothers. We will note how these comedians and others were influenced by the times in which they performed and how the audiences reacted. We will also observe how certain cultural influences, particularly what is seen as "funny" at a given time and place, influenced both the comic routines and the audiences. Participants will be expected to participate in reading of scripts, to do the assigned readings, and to do short reports on comedians of this period.
Class is limited to 15 participants.
Charles Chamberlain has been a reading specialist and English instructor at university, college and high school levels. He has had a continuous and active interest in theater, as an actor and student of the art. He has paid special attention to American comedy with skits, based on the acts of his favorite comedians, performed before community and social groups. He is also a member of Sons of the Desert, the national Laurel and Hardy "fan Club."
