What is "feminist theatre"? This course will explore that deceptively simple but hotly debated question by focusing on the creative and political efforts of female playwrights and performers. Our readings will provide background on feminist theatre history and theory, from which we will examine diverse-and divergent-approaches to "feminist" playwriting, acting, and directing. We will consider a wide range of artists, from the Pulitzer prize-winning Wendy Wasserstein to the NEA grant-losing Holly Hughes; we will also examine the recent phenomenon of Eve Ensler's THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES. The course will be conducted in seminar format with heavy emphasis on discussion; readings will be supplemented by shared viewing of live and video performances.