"Orpheus descending": a directorial perspective

Abstract

In this paper I will analyze Tennessee Williams' play Orpheus Descending from a directorial perspective. The first chapter of this paper is a brief introduction and an explanation of why I chose this play for my thesis. The second chapter will present a history of the play's development. The third chapter will focus on a pre-production analysis, utilizing the processes and methodologies that Francis Hodge explains in his book Play Directing Analysis, Communication and Style. Chapter four will discuss the design elements and the process of collaborating with the design team. The fifth chapter is a discussion of the rehearsal process examining the actor/director relationship, as well as the integration of technical elements. There will be a brief conclusion at the end of this document.