DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/5YVK-4C70
Author ORCID Identifier
orcid.org/0000-0002-7265-6952
Defense Date
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Theatre
First Advisor
Dr. Aaron D. Anderson, PhD.
Second Advisor
Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, PhD.
Third Advisor
Dr. Noreen C. Barnes, PhD.
Abstract
This thesis explores the process of building community over time, through collaboration, to rehearse and produce a portable production of Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors, looking at the elements of time, trust and age with an ensemble of ten men, all actors over the age of 55. The building of trust over time was vital to the production process and the actors had the time to embody their roles and the language of the play. We look at the questions “why this play,” “why all men?” and “why theatre?” and investigate the physical nature of the play and its violence a la Three Stooges or Punch and Judy. We will look at the themes of aging, discrimination and the search for family and identity, all of which have resonance today, through the lens of play.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-12-2017