Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

5-2015

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

M.F.A.

Department

Theatre Arts

Degree Program

Theatre Arts, MFA

Committee Chair

Steiger, Amy Lynn

Committee Co-Chair (if applicable)

Kelly, Baron

Committee Member

Dietrich, Julia

Subject

Acting; Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Othello; Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616--Characters--Iago

Abstract

This thesis is an examination of my approach to the role of Iago in William Shakespeare's Othello. The thesis explores my training as an actor and the struggles that have challenged me in the past. I then discuss my acting process for Iago in which specific imagery, sounds, and energies in Shakespeare's text influence my employment of Michael Chekhov's acting technique. By using this technique, I am able to make specific psychological and physical choices that authenticate my performance as a character who is not a racist villain, but a victim who suffers from multiple personality disorders. Through this approach, I hope to draw empathy for Iago and reflect modern society's view of mental illness and its role in violence. This approach also challenges me to overcome my struggle with the Michael Chekhov technique to continue enhancing my classical training. My use of these techniques has helped me blend psychological and physical choices on stage in order to create an engaging performance.

Download

Included in

Acting Commons

Share

COinS