Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1982

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major Professor

Lorayne W. Lester

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how Readers Theatre editing techniques may be used to reveal subtexts in a piece of literature. The Children's Hour was chosen as the play to be studied because of the different reactions of the critics at the 1934 opening and the 1952 reopening. Also, relatively little research has been done on Lillian Hellman and her work. Because of the major position she holds in the American theatre, more should be known about her motives and the influences behind her plays.

A brief overview is given of Hellman's life up to the opening of The Children's Hour (1934). This reveals personal influences throughout her childhood and early adult life which should be reflected in her writing. A brief look at the theatre of the early thirties reveals the political pressures of the leftist theatre which should also come through in her writing. Using the Readers Theatre editing techniques for The Children's Hour reveals these influences on Hellman's life and gives the play new meaning. Two adaptations of The Children's Hour are provided. One script emphasizes the theme of the lesbian relationship evident to critics and audiences at its opening. The other script emphasizes the lie and its controlling power and the political messages found in class struggle.

Since Readers Theatre editing techniques can be used for all literary forms it seems to provide an ideal instrument for the study of literature. It provides the interpreter, audience and critic with an entertaining and enriching experience.

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