Essays and Research Papers on Theater

A comparison between the characters of Willy Loman in Miller’s Death of a Salesman and John Proctor in Miller’s The Crucible, looking at the importance of the themes of deception and integrity in the two dramas and the way in which these themes are developed by the actions of the protagonists. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page essay about David Mamet's evocative play, Oleanna, which can be read on several different levels. One of the principal ways in which it can be addressed is in the way that Mamet presents the world of higher education through the character of John, the egotistical college professor. No additional sources cited.

A five page paper which looks at the conventions of classical Greek drama, with reference to the Oresteia of Aeschylus and the Theban Plays of Sophocles. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

( 8 pp.) Our challenge in this discussion is to consider humor in light of "performance art." Consequently we will look at some people who by there own definition, are performance artists and see what conclusions we can draw about the role of humor in this art form. Bibliography lists 6 sources ...

There are many instances of tragedy in everyday life, some of which are never discussed. This 5 page paper explores the distinction of the play, The View From A Bridge by Arthur Miller as a tragedy, focusing on the protagonist's inability to confront his feelings. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses the use of acting and setting in Death of a Salesman and addresses how these items helped, or harmed, the production. The production addressed is that which took place in Eugene O'Neill Theater in New York City. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page essay that examines Drew Hurley's eclectic play, Distraction. The writer argues that this play is rather like taking a spin course through the last several hundred years of Western literature and philosophy in a way that is both entertaining, thought provoking and comprehensible. Basically Hurley presents a brief history of the way ...

An 8 page paper which examines the sense of justice exhibited in the play. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 6 page paper which discusses how Willy Loman is the victim of false values, those found in the American dream. The paper also discusses those characters which illustrate what may well be the true values as they regard success and life. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which discusses the themes presented in Tom Stoppard's play "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead." The themes discussed are those of futility and destiny. No additional sources cited.

(5 pp) It is always a mental challenge to consider how a work of art may reflect its creator. This classroom prompted discussion will determine if the setting of The Doll's House reflected the author's philosophy, attitude or time and place in which he lived. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 7 page essay that examines the Act I, Scene III of Gotterdammerung fits into the overall scheme of Richard Wagner's musical epic the Ring of the Nibelung. Bibliography lists 1 source.

5 pages in length. Postwar activities inherently reflect the inevitable process of catch-up and convergence; while this process takes place, scores of people work diligently as a means by which to piece their lives back together. The social, political and economic chaos that ensued in the South after World War II illustrated the ...

A 6 page paper which examines the play’s genre, its purpose, structural elements (plot, conflict, characterization, setting), the dialogue, the themes, what the movement reveals, other elements employed to enhance the structure, and the meaning of the title. Also considered are the significance the play has on the contemporary theatre, the play’s original production, ...

A 5 page paper which discusses the importance of responding to others in "A Man For All Seasons," as well as the importance of conviction. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

(5 pp) Symbols have been with us forever. It seems that there is something in the human that responds to symbols -it is the re-membering - the putting of an image with an idea. For example there might be many images that could be related to the idea of "hope." But it ...

A 7 page paper which compares and contrasts the original 1949 stage production with the 1985 TV-movie within the literary contexts of plot, theme, setting, and character. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

(5 pp) Is it some tragic theme, of humanity, that needs to keep repeating itself--married man has an affair with young girl, destruction follows? Or does literature just reflect the consistent foibles, or "the potholes" in the human road? Arthur Miller makes the bad guys the heroes in his 1953 play the ...

Tchaikovsky and Ballet Theater: This 8-page analytical essay examines the life and contributions of Russian composer, Peter Tchaikovsky. It explores the evocative qualities that have made his compositions immortal favorites. In addition, definitive reasons in support of his invaluable contributions to Ballet Theater are provided. Bibliography lists 5 sources. SNBallet.doc

This 5 page report discusses Shakespeare’s “Troilus and Cressida” in terms of mimetic theory. It should be understood that 'mimetic' means to imitate. But in terms of artistic expression . . . to imitate what? Ultimately, it is the notion of imitation within the context of an artistic reproduction, such as poetry, painting, literature, and/or drama. The mimetic theory is ...

For the individual who is both homosexual and inflicted with AIDS, the elements of stigmatization, prejudice and discrimination are increased dramatically. This 5 page paper addresses the issues of denial, acceptance and bereavement within Terence McNally's one act play, Andre's Mother. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines, briefly, the life of Anton Chekhov, and then discusses the play "Uncle Vanya," illustrating that he is perhaps the most likeable character in the play. Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

(5 pp). Much of the Arthur Miller's play The Death of A Salesman, looks at the loss of one man's idea of the American Dream of success, or 'making it.' It occurs to Willy Loman that he is not making it, as he thought he would, neither are his sons. ...

(5 pp). Remember some old saying that you heard as a kid: The more things change, the more they stay the same. As a kid the phrase did not make a lot of sense, and by the time you were an adult, you did not want it to be true, let alone ...

Most people go to the theater in order to watch a 'production' that is interesting and entertaining. This 8 page paper explores the role of the equipment and people that are 'behind the scenes'. Bibliography lists 3 sources.