Rhythms in relationships--the production of an original theatre piece for reader's theater and dance, concerning a sterotyped youth/age relationship and incorporating some aspects of transactional analysis

Author

Melinda Catherine Foster

Date of Award

8-1981

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major Professor

G. Allan Yeomans

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to present, in a theatre piece, a stereotyped relationship between youth and age and then to present a better alternative model. There was emphasis on the vocal and visual rhythms that accompany a certain way of relating. Transactional analysis was used where helpful, as a theoretical base.

Various approaches were made to the problem of producing the script. The result was a three-part scene for readers' theatre, accompanied by mime and interpretive dance. The dialogue emphasized ways of relating: the dance helped interpret the dialogue and formed a finale. Readings of poetry about aging were presented as a prologue to the theatre piece.

It was easy to create a recognizable stereotyped relationship between youth and age, but harder to demonstrate an alternative model. It was concluded that in studying youth/age relationships, the consideration of rhythms in vocal and visual expression is an exciting approach.

Recommended Citation

Foster, Melinda Catherine, "Rhythms in relationships--the production of an original theatre piece for reader's theater and dance, concerning a sterotyped youth/age relationship and incorporating some aspects of transactional analysis. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1981.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/15178