Abstract
This Independent Study will serve as a theatrical project of analyzing Adrienne Kennedy’s debut play, Funnyhouse of a Negro, to understand it as a work of Theatre for Social Change. Through a thorough analysis of the play, the social and historical context from which it was written, and research into what Theatre for Social Change is, I found elements of Theatre for Social Change present in the play itself and in the delivery of it. After analyzing the play itself, I created a concept of the play that will help to see this play as the beginning of a discussion of racism in present-day America and how it affects the lives of Black people.
By directing this play, an analysis of students of color having a larger presence in the theatre was also conducted; I worked with a crew of mostly students of color, and almost half of the was were actors of color. In the end, I analyzed how this small production of Funnyhouse of a Negro could be a reflection of theatre (and society) if more directors of color were given a chance to actually produce work geared towards social change.
Advisor
Noriega, Jimmy
Department
Theatre and Dance
Recommended Citation
Hutchins, Tashiyanah R., ""Forgiveness, Sarah, I Know You Are A Nigger of Torment": Directing Adrienne Kennedy's Funnyhouse of a Negro as Theatre for Social Change" (2017). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 7468.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/7468
Disciplines
Fine Arts
Publication Date
2017
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2017 Tashiyanah R. Hutchins