Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

5-2012

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

M.F.A.

Department

Theatre Arts

Committee Chair

Thomas, Lundeana Marie, 1949-

Author's Keywords

Myths; Motifs; Archetypes; Hero's journey; Mad at Miles; Collective unconscious

Subject

Acting; Cleage Pearl. Mad at miles

Abstract

This thesis chronicles my journey within the framework of a hero's journey, as a theatre artist in the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Louisville's Theatre Arts Department. This thesis is divided into six chapters that explore the importance of using and understanding myths, motifs, and archetypes for character development in general and specifically for building the ensemble production from Pearl Cleage's collection of essays: Mad at Miles: A Black Woman's Guide to Truth. The Introduction explores the origins of the drive for humans to create art. Chapter One investigates my attraction to theatre through my personal life as well as from the metaphysical perspective of a Jungian collective unconscious. It also chronicles many of the trials and triumphs of the training courses and productions of the Theatre Arts Department. Chapter Two describes the circumstances and themes that motivated my interest in choosing Mad at Miles: A Black Woman's Guide to Truth as my thesis performance role. Chapter Three documents my process and the ensembles' process of creating this piece of theatre utilizing themes of the collective unconscious, archetypes, and team building. Chapter Four delves into the deep exploration of the archetypes I used as an actress to create several characters for the show. The Conclusion reflects on the lessons of the journey as well as how and where these lessons direct me to the artistic paths ahead of me.

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