DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/3YPC-AW07

Defense Date

2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Theatre

First Advisor

Keith Byron Kirk

Second Advisor

Aaron Anderson

Third Advisor

Jesse Njus

Abstract

This theoretical performance thesis is dedicated to illustrating the potential fusion of Sam Shepard’s Fool for Love with Laban effort actions and temporality through music through a production plan. It utilizes evidence from the playwright’s biographical works as well as author experience and research rooted within the Laban movement analysis to develop a fully realized production. It examines the utilization of Shepard’s life within his work which includes the relationship between familial members; the utilization of rhythm and musicality to develop the aura of each scene; the character arc for each principle character and the necessity of music to drive the emotional development of each moment; and the temporality of the cyclical nature of the play implemented through time-based songs. This thesis takes into consideration the climate in which it is being theorized and acknowledges the difficulty of performing a piece within said climate. Accordingly, the author provides full plans to be utilized when live performance with close proximity can resume with acknowledgement of the potential changes throughout the process for each specific cast member and ensemble as a whole. There are exercises to attempt, questions to propose, and matters to consider within a production of Shepard’s plays during any production; the author realizes that the schedule laid out within this thesis may be malleable in action. Ultimately, this thesis aims to provide an assistive, informative, and accessible blueprint to illuminate the possibilities within a realism performance piece utilizing stylized movement pieces set to cyclical temporality music selections.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

4-28-2021

Available for download on Sunday, March 11, 2221

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