Masters Degrees (Drama)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Drama) by Subject "Absurd (Philosophy)"

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    A possible missing (or theorized) link between absurdities in the human psyche and in the Theatre of the Absurd, using fairy tales as a connecting vehicle
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-12) Dell, Bianca; Van der Merwe, Schalk; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Drama.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research addresses whether there is a possible missing or theorised link between absurdities related to the human psyche (psychology) and the Theatre of the Absurd, with the fairy tale genre as a connecting vehicle between the two main theories. This research consists of both a theoretical and practical component, with the theoretical component relying primarily on literature studies. To determine this link, research was done in the disciplines of psychology (more specifically Jung’s stance on the psyche and psychoanalysis concerning specific mental disorders, which may be adhered to as absurdities concerning the psyche), philosophy (more specifically absurdism/existentialist philosophy), fairy tale literature, and theatre (more specifically the Theatre of the Absurd). The methodological approach used was research-based practice as gained from the iterative cyclic web of Smith and Deans (2009). This was used to aid in defining the possible link theoretically and adapting the theoretical insights into a practical production. The practical production was self-written and directed using the insights gained from the Theatre of the Absurd, and Jung’s stance on the psyche and psychoanalysis of mental disorders, with character inspiration obtained from popular Western fairy tales. An account of the practical exploration is given, along with addendums A and B which consist of the written text and photos from the live theatrical production. The results from both the theoretical and practical insights showcased connections in each field with the other as follows: Psychology and theatre have a connection of their own, further stemming into the specifics of this research, and psychoanalysis and the psyche link with the Theatre of the Absurd from a Jungian perspective. The aforementioned psychological principles link with fairy tales and fairy tales with the Theatre of the Absurd. Fairy tales as a vehicle of discussion are universal and their archetypes, symbolism, morality, collective understanding and cognitive inclusions are what allowed for a deeper exploration into linking the two main fields. A possible link was defined between absurdities as related to the psyche and the Theatre of the Absurd, however, the real truth in the link lies in mankind itself, yet it is also established that truth is always deceiving and perspective-dependent.