Date of Graduation
5-2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts in Drama (MFA)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Theatre
Advisor/Mentor
Mavourneen Dwyer
Committee Member
Kate Frank
Second Committee Member
Gail Leftwich
Keywords
Communication and the Arts, Drama, The Adding Machine
Abstract
In Elmer Rice's expressionistic play,The Adding Machine, the character of Mrs. Zero is written to forego authenticity and highlight a husband's absurd perception of his wife. The elements of expressionism in the play paint Mrs. Zero as a caricature rather than a person. In order to effectively portray this caricature, role-preparation must be rooted in realism. It is by connecting organically with Mrs. Zero's underlying truth that the portrayal of this absurd character can be made effective. Here, I attempt to find a balance between realistic role-preparation and expressionistic style of performance. My efforts are documented through journal entries which span the audition, rehearsal, performance and post-performance processes.
Citation
Rivas, R. (2012). A Marriage of Realism and Expressionism: Preparing and Performing the Role of Mrs. Zero in Elmer Rice's The Adding Machine. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/304