An actress' approach to the role of Hesther Salomon in Peter Shaffer's Equus

Date

1995-08

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

The primary goal of the Dance and Theatre Department at Texas Tech University is to prepare its students for a professional or academic career in theatre. The department offers several courses in acting, directing, design, and management for both undergraduate and graduate students. The Master of Fine Arts program allows students to focus on an area of study they wish to pursue. This program requires that a thesis be presented within the candidate's primary area of study. Some studies represent directing projects, some stage management projects, and some involve design projects such as lighting, costumes, or sets. Because this candidate's track in the Master of Fine Arts program is acting, a project concerning the development of a character is appropriate.

The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate a theoretical and practical knowledge of performance. This candidate elected to prove her competence in the performance area of acting by performing the role of Hesther Salomon in the Texas Tech Theatre production of Peter Shaffer's Eguus, as directed by Dr. Richard Weaver. The problem of this study is to provide an account of the actress' approach to the analysis and performance of the role. Special attention will be given to the entire process, and any problems that occured during the experience will be addressed and examined. Research will be conducted addressing the playwright, an analysis of the play, and a study of the character. Also, exploration will be made into how an actor is to approach a role and build a character.

Description

Keywords

Shaffer, Peter, 1926- -- Criticism and interpretation, Acting -- Study and teaching, Shaffer, Peter, 1926- Equus

Citation