A comparison of adaptive techniques for prose fiction : representational and chamber theatre scripts for Flannery O'Connor's "The Lame Shall Enter First"

The purpose of this thesis was to examine and compare the methods of adaptation for prose fiction as presented by contemporary theorists on playwriting and scholars in the field of oral interpretation. The need for this study was indicated by the lack of comparative models. The principles of adaptation as found in the two disciplines were applied to Flannery O'Connor's short story "The Lame Shall Enter First." The primary means of approach to the problem involved the accumulation of data through the use of library surveys in the two fields. . In the area of playwriting, the review of the literature was restricted to twentieth century theorists. In the area of oral interpretation, general principles of adaptation were examined for solo performance, Readers Theatre, and Chamber Theatre. The Chamber mode was discussed at some length with Robert Breen's book Chamber Theatre as a primary source.

The major findings of the research were that adaptation for representational theatre necessitated the use of transitional devices between the scenes in order to account for the problem of a unity of time. . This unity was handled in the original work by narrative passages. In the Chamber version, the narrator was used to give the story unity and to heighten our perception of the point of view. In either case, certain elements found in the short story were left out or rearranged in order to strengthen the dramatic appeal of the adaptations.It was not the purpose of this thesis to pass judgement on the values of either approach to the adaptive process. Each has its own merits and creativity was necessary in order to adapt scripts in accordance with the principles derived from the library surveys. The process of adaptation is a valid means for the beginning playwright to learn the mechanics of plot, character and dialogue. It is hoped that this thesis will provide future students of playwriting an example of the processes in practice.