Masters Theses

Kina A. Steed

Date of Award

6-1983

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Speech Pathology

Major Professor

Faye D. Julian

Committee Members

Lorayne Lester, Robert Glenn

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compile the historical evolution of the one-person show from the 1740's to the present and to present an analysis of the contemporary one-person shows which have increased in popularity over the past 50 years. In compiling this overview, this writer was concerned with Initial one-person performers including Samuel Foote, Charles Dibidn, Charles Mathews, Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray, Charles Farrar Brown, Mark Twain, Will Rogers, the Chautauqua performers and others. The contemporary one-person shows studied in this thesis are as follows:

Pat Carroll--”Gertrude Stein Gertrude Stein Gertrude Stein”

Jane Curry--"Samantha”

Henry Fond--"Clarence Darrow for the Defense”

John Geilgud--"Ages of Man”

Julie Harris--"The Belle of Amherst”

Hal Holbrook--"Mark Twain Tonight!"

Rob Ingles--"The Canterbury Tales”

Jack MacGowran--"MacGowran in the Works of Samuel Beckett”

Alec McCowen--"St. Mark's Gospel”

Vincent Price--"Diversions and Delights”

James Whitmore--"Will Rogers, U.S.A.”

“Give 'Em Hell, Harry!

“Bully”

Emlyn Williams--"Charles Dickens”

“Bleak House”

“Dylan Thomas Growing Up”

“The Playboy of the Weekend World”

William Windom--"Thurber II”

Little has been written on these early one-person shows, and the primary resources used for gathering information included theatre history texts, biographies, and a few journal articles. More information was available for the contemporary shows. This writer had access to audiotape for five shows, was able to see four shows, and studied multiple reviews for fifteen shows.

The major findings of this study have shown that the main difference between the initial one-person shows and the contemporary regards the script. In the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries the scripts adhered to no set form and manifested light, comic sketches, songs and monologues. Contemporary artists select material with literary value to adapt to a more sophisticated audience. The performances provide a learning experience as well as an evening's entertainment. Another conclusion which can be drawn from this study is that the selection of material, adaptation processes, and style of presentation follow no fixed form. Each show is different due to the performer's attitudes and the type of literature selected. From the reviews studied, it seems that more emphasis is placed on the acting abilities of the performer than on the content or organization of the script.

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