Mending the Wound of Psychological Warfare: A Development on the Recreation of Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue

Abstract

This senior project for the Theatre & Performance directing concentration captures the in-depth analysis of Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue prior to the cast readings and auditions. Further questioning the thematic prominence this play has to offer gives directing it, a very open and explorative nature. There is a contrast that war and the familial bond exemplify in this play that is detrimental to understanding the role of psychological health and the reality of this theme. Themes equally similar to this, like music for example, allow for a more lively discussion behind the scenes of a production with this level of emotional magnitude. This project demonstrates this exact process, and experiments with what strategies can prove to be successful for bringing these characters to life with the performers that embody them.