Performing Taboo: The Creation of an Aesthetic through the Exploration of Censorship in Theatre and the Challenges of Directing Killer Joe

This document explores the performance of taboo on the stage. The exploration is focused around the establishment of my personal aesthetic, which was developed through my studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. Starting with my first trip to Broadway, my journey goes through the class work that I did at VCU and the two plays that I did on the Shafer Street Alliance Laboratory Theatre stage: my performance and use of latex costumes in Funnyhouse of a Negro, and my direction and the troubles with producing Killer Joe. The exploration concludes with a look at the theatre in parts of Virginia and the ability to pursue an acting career with an aesthetic that pushes boundaries.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Fine Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Theatre

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Zimmerman, David Todd

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Noreen Barnes
• Barry Bell
• Josh Chenard

• Censorship
• Theatre
• Licensing Act of 1737
• Mrs. Warren's Profession
• NEA 4
• Killer Joe
• Tracy Letts
• Funnyhouse of a Negro
• Adrienne Kennedy
• Arts and Humanities
• Theatre and Performance Studies

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/435

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1434