Date of Award

7-1-2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Dr. Cindy Melby Phaneuf

Abstract

This thesis examines key moments in my experience directing Euripides' The Bakkhai (as translated by C. K. Williams) in February of 2003 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, in partial fulfillment of my Master of Arts degree in Theatre. It also explores some of the theories and techniques which informed that production. Chapter One examines my experience as a theatre practitioner and the factors that led to my directing The Bakkhai. A close reading of selected moments in Euripides' text make up Chapter Two, which also reviews recent literature, defines key terms and explains the choice of translation. Documented in Chapter Three is the base of critical theory (both literary and performance-based) utilized in approaching the text, including an exploration of Structuralism, Postmodernism and Poststructuralism in reference to Ritual (Dis)memberment. Chapter Four describes how the notion of Ritual (Dis)memberment informed the collaboration between the director, the production team and the actors, as well as affecting the auditions and the development of the staging. Chapter Five is a reflection on the project, utilizing reviews and personal responses from audience, faculty, friends and students, as well as my own perception of lessons learned and it examines notions for approaching future directing projects, particularly Classical Greek drama.

Comments

A Thesis-Equivalent Project Presented to the Department of Theatre and the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts in Theatre University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright 2006 Ronald J. Zank.

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