The Serpent: Examination, Exploration, Evaluation, 1976
Date of Graduation
Fall 1976
Degree
Master of Arts
Department
Theatre and Dance
Committee Chair
Robert Bradley
Abstract
The Serpent is a unique production as it is predominately an ensemble endeavor. The original creation of the play evolved through a company of actors called the Open Theatre under the direction of Joseph Chaikin. Jean-Claude van Itallie is responsible for the final verbal framework. This text was written after lengthy involvement with van Itallie's Open Theatre and the improvisations and exercises they geared to Genesis from the Bible. Together, playwright, director and company explored images, motifs and themes to be expressed in this living theatre experience. The Serpent is called a ceremony primarily because of its strong bond with the audience. In a ceremony, the audience and actor combine in a collaborative effort toward communication. This production, therefore, became not only an experimental enterprise for the thesis director, but also for the community of actors and audience.
Subject Categories
Theatre and Performance Studies
Copyright
© Christine E. Stoyke
Recommended Citation
Stoyke, Christine E., "The Serpent: Examination, Exploration, Evaluation, 1976" (1976). MSU Graduate Theses. 980.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/980
Open Access
