Almost Mirror Image: Exploring the Similarities and Dissimilarities of Identical Twins in Theatrical Solo Performance

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Abstract

Almost Mirror Image: Exploring the Similarities and Dissimilarities of Identical Twins in Theatrical Solo Performance Is an exploration of the psyche of identical twins within the context of devised solo performance. The author, an identical twin herself, has long been interested in twins' ability to cultivate both highly independent personalities as well as intensely co-dependent tendencies during development. What can twins tell us about the way we create close relationships and how is their upbringing radically different from the majority of the world that is born alone? Equally intrigued by society's growing technological dependence, the author would like to delve into how the science and development of twins appears counterintuitive to the intra-personal technological world they grow up in by using personal, autobiographic solo performance as her research platform. The data collected from research sources such as Jo Bonney's Extreme Exposure and Michael Kearns' The Solo Performer's Journey, will provide fodder for the thesis document and the author's devised solo piece, entitled Teach me how to be Lonely. While devising her own solo performance, the author will compare and contrast her process with that of a few select solo performers such as Anna Deavere Smith and Rachel Rosenthal. The author will delve into various styles of solo work creation, including the testimony plays of Smith and the autobiographical style of Rosenthal, in order to view her own work with a self-reflective and identity-driven lens. Overall, the author hopes to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of her own experience as an identical twin through the facilitation of her solo work as well as explore how the creation of solo performance can offer artists in the 21st century more freedom of expression and identity than the performance of a standard play.

Original languageAmerican English
QualificationM.F.A.
Awarding Institution
  • University of Central Florida
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Boyd, Belinda, Advisor, External person
Place of PublicationOrlando, FL
Publisher
StatePublished - May 2015
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in the Department of Theatre in the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida.

Keywords

  • Solo performance
  • Theatre
  • Identical twins
  • Solo work

Disciplines

  • Acting

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