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The search for the primitive by theatrical means : an investigation into the potential of de-acculturation work for holistic self-discovery
Author
Tan, Melissa Li Cheng
Supervisor
Hazell, Stephen
Abstract
This Academic Exercise seeks to discover the possibility of using theatrical means to discover the primitive self. It is my personal belief that everyone living in the modern world is subjected to the acculturation process, and that people in the most superficial of appearances are but an accumulation of socially constructed cultural identities. Following the ideas of the great philosopher Rousseau, I uphold the fact that beneath the layers of the socially acculturated self, there lies a hidden primitive self, which marks the individuality of the person and is truthful to the inner core of the human being, most evident in the stage of childhood. The aim of this exercise therefore, is to seek the de-acculturation of the person - to remove the layers of social acculturation and allow the primitive self 10 surface, on the premise that the body is the instrument to which the primitive self can be discovered.
The theoretical component begins with the search for a definition of the primitive, based on historical experiences with the concept of "primitivism", from the West's obsession with the "savage", to the Romantics ideology of the primitive way of life and the exaltation of the child. It will also attempt to theoretically support my assumption that the body is the basis for an investigation of the primitive, through an analysis of the underlying beliefs of avant-garde theatre practitioners, like Artaud and Grotowski. The practical work will further prove my hypotheses and focus on adapting the physical exercises devised by Augusto Boal, Moni Yakim and Lorna Marshall in the format of a workshop, which is targeted at the investigation into a possible approach towards the de-acculturation of the person. An account of the reasons that had informed my choice of these theatre practitioners will be given. The results of the workshop, based on the effectiveness of the workshop in revealing the socially acculturated self and discovering the primitive self, will also be clearly presented.
The theoretical component begins with the search for a definition of the primitive, based on historical experiences with the concept of "primitivism", from the West's obsession with the "savage", to the Romantics ideology of the primitive way of life and the exaltation of the child. It will also attempt to theoretically support my assumption that the body is the basis for an investigation of the primitive, through an analysis of the underlying beliefs of avant-garde theatre practitioners, like Artaud and Grotowski. The practical work will further prove my hypotheses and focus on adapting the physical exercises devised by Augusto Boal, Moni Yakim and Lorna Marshall in the format of a workshop, which is targeted at the investigation into a possible approach towards the de-acculturation of the person. An account of the reasons that had informed my choice of these theatre practitioners will be given. The results of the workshop, based on the effectiveness of the workshop in revealing the socially acculturated self and discovering the primitive self, will also be clearly presented.
Date Issued
2003
Call Number
PN2039 Tan
Date Submitted
2003