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X: THE RISE AND FALL OF AN ASYLUM STAR (A JOURNEY OF TWO ACTRESSES)

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Date Issued:
2009
Abstract/Description:
The performance of X: The Rise and Fall of an Asylum Star, in conjunction with my thesis document, investigates the dichotomy of fantasy and reality for a performer. I compare the creative and emotional journey of Augustine, a young woman hospitalized for hysteria, to my own journey as an actress. Augustine was also performer, for her doctors led her in public demonstrations of the symptoms of hysteria. Her "talent" for hysteria earned her notoriety and celebrity. She was coached and directed from her doctors to enhance her demonstrations. As a result, the validity and authenticity of her state was questionable. I compare the performative qualities of hysteria with my own states of drama as a performer and draw parallels between us, looking specifically at states of experience, both imagined and real.
Title: X: THE RISE AND FALL OF AN ASYLUM STAR (A JOURNEY OF TWO ACTRESSES).
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Name(s): Wilhite, Erika, Author
Niess, Christopher, Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2009
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The performance of X: The Rise and Fall of an Asylum Star, in conjunction with my thesis document, investigates the dichotomy of fantasy and reality for a performer. I compare the creative and emotional journey of Augustine, a young woman hospitalized for hysteria, to my own journey as an actress. Augustine was also performer, for her doctors led her in public demonstrations of the symptoms of hysteria. Her "talent" for hysteria earned her notoriety and celebrity. She was coached and directed from her doctors to enhance her demonstrations. As a result, the validity and authenticity of her state was questionable. I compare the performative qualities of hysteria with my own states of drama as a performer and draw parallels between us, looking specifically at states of experience, both imagined and real.
Identifier: CFE0002679 (IID), ucf:48240 (fedora)
Note(s): 2009-05-01
M.F.A.
Arts and Humanities, Department of Theatre
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): performance
fantasy
theatre
hysteria
acting
Artaud
spectacle
suffering
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002679
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

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