Date of Award
2017
Type
Thesis
Major
Master of Education
Degree Type
Master of Education in Theatre Performance
Department
Theatre Department
First Advisor
Brenda May Ito
Second Advisor
Dr. Larry Dooley
Third Advisor
David Turner
Abstract
This thesis will investigate and examine how August Wilson incorporated African storytelling ceremonials inside of Gem of the Ocean and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. By studying the mannerisms and characteristics of Aunt Ester (Gem of the Ocean) and Bynum Walker (Joe Turner’s Come and Gone), this paper will help educators to understand that Wilson created these characters to preserve African griots inside his Pittsburgh Cycle. This paper will link how theatre educators in the 21st century can capture the spirit of the African griots. The socially responsible theatre practice is a teaching method that theatre teachers can incorporate into their classroom that replicates the early objective of African storytelling. This thesis will demonstrate that the ritual of African storytelling and social responsible theatre practice aim to heal the individual.
Recommended Citation
Reeves, Elizabeth L., "Preserving the Spirit of African Storytelling in the Pittsburgh Cycle" (2017). Theses and Dissertations. 292.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/292
