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ORCID
N/A
Access Type
Open Access Thesis
Document Type
thesis
Degree Program
Theater
Degree Type
Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
Year Degree Awarded
2014
Month Degree Awarded
May
Abstract
This written portion of my thesis documents how I, as Director, set about to bring J.M. Barrie’s classic, Peter Pan to the contemporary stage. I take the reader through my in-depth research into Barrie’s many adaptations of his story, seeking an understanding of the evolution of Peter Pan and noting major elements that were retained across time and those that were changed, in search of the “true” story of Peter Pan. I explore how my discoveries informed design choices, were folded into rehearsals, and ultimately arrived on stage.
In seeking the backbone of a classic, the vast interpretive history of Peter Pan and its many adaptations also gave me a sense of freedom to make my own changes. I discuss the major re-imagining of Tiger Lily and the Redskins to become the collaboratively created Never Landers, a dance ensemble of otherworldly characters sprung from the land itself.
I explore the major themes I identified in the play and discuss decisions to bring darkness, longing and loneliness to the stage rather than glossing over the complex elements of the story in order to create something cute for children. Finally, I offer an exploration of the production process as a major collaboration with many artists and consider various elements of my collaborations with the design team, fight director, dance choreographer, and the actors.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/5562010
First Advisor
Gilbert W. McCauley
Recommended Citation
Sloane, Brianna A., "Strike A Note Of Wonder: A Director's Adventures In Peter Pan" (2015). Masters Theses. 177.
https://doi.org/10.7275/5562010
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/masters_theses_2/177
Included in
Dramatic Literature, Criticism and Theory Commons, Other Classics Commons, Other Theatre and Performance Studies Commons