Date of Graduation
5-2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts in Drama (MFA)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Theatre
Advisor/Mentor
Dwyer, Mavourneen A.
Committee Member
Frank, Kate L.
Second Committee Member
Leftwich, Gail
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
