Essays and Research Papers on Theater

6 pages in length. Moliere was responsible for changing the entire perspective of the open theater. Not only did he challenge the very stability of its content, but he very boldly marched in and said that tragedy does not have to be sad; rather, it can be presented in a comical atmosphere and ...

A 6 page research paper that examined playwright Eugene Ionesco's "The Lesson." The writer argues that meaning of the play lies with Ionesco's observations on the Holocaust. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A paper which looks at Gay’s Beggars Opera, in terms of its cultural and political satire and its relationship to the forms of traditional Italian opera, the way in which Gay uses highly accessible musical forms in order to emphasise his attack on cultural elitism in the operatic world, and his connection with the Scriblerians ...

8 pages in length. Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel – the classic tale of love and redemption – is arguably one of the most beloved and frequently produced plays of all musicals. The lighthearted yet poignant tale of naïveté and social comeuppance provides the audience with a sense of whimsy combined with the underlying ...

A 6 page discussion of the underlying detail of these two theatrical productions as compared to the larger theatrical genre of slapstick vaudevillian comedy. Emphasizes the relationship between Laurel and Hardy and that between the two main characters of “Waiting for Godot”, Vladimir (referred to variously as Didi and Mr. Albert) Estragon. Vladimir ...

This 8-page essay examines the play “Cabaret,” citing its origin from a book by American author, Christopher Isherwood and its later evolution to the Broadway stage. The often steamy and tough-minded production went on to become an award-winning Bob Fosse spectacle, starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey. Many different themes usher forth from the ...

A 5 page paper which summarizes the play, examines its social message, and discusses the merits of the play as literature and as social commentary. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

John Guare and Robert Frost – Families Depicted: This 8-page comparative essay discusses John Guare’s play, “Six Degrees of Separation” and Robert Frost’s “Home Burial” relevant to the family unit. In addition, it explores a number of dynamics within the constructs of each couple’s marriage, while also examining revelations about their true characters relative ...

A paper which contrasts traditional and queer readings of literary texts, and looks at John Logan’s ‘Never the Sinner’ from the perspective of the latter, in terms of the way in which the characters are presented and Logan’s interpretation of their motivations.

A 7 page paper which examines the differences between Brecht's Epic Theatre and Postmodern Theatre. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

(5 pp) David Hare's 1998 play, "Amy's View," is a drama based on the need, and the nature of theater. With that in mind we might expect characters to be symbolic, as well portray their fictional role. Like all fiction there may be some difference of opinion as to who is the most important character in the ...

A 22 page paper which discusses different aspects of identity as is found in Athol Fugard's play, "The Blood Knot." Homi K. Bhabha's theories, regarding colonial mimicry, are also discussed as they apply to Fugard's play. Bibliography lists 5 additional sources.

A 6 page paper which discusses the story and the film, "A Bronx Tale," and illustrates how it affects popular American culture. From the perspective of the two, the story, which is actually a play, and the movie, we find that both the negative and the positive side of popular American culture could be affected powerfully through this story. ...

This 5 page report discusses Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” and Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” In both plays, the primary character repeatedly demonstrates himself to be a manifestation of the tragic hero. Each are dramas that have endured because they acknowledge the fact that each person is ultimately responsible for the actions he or she sets into motion. Bibliography lists ...

The Staging of “Romeo and Juliet”: This 10-page essay discusses a number of key factors in the successful theatrical staging and production of one of the Bard’s best loved plays, “Romeo and Juliet.” Paying particular attention to the divergent elements of scenery design, costuming, props, sound, lighting, etc., a vast number of the ...

A 5 page paper which considers whether Ibsen either excuses the behavior of these plays’ male characters, or provides a reason or insight into their actions. No additional sources are used.

A 5 page paper which examines how this tragic masterpiece articulates Sophocles’ religious notions, which serve as his greatest innovation. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 9 page paper (8.5 pp. + 1/2 pg. outline) which compares and contrasts the perceptions of reality and illusion in the respective plays. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

This 6 page report discusses the theater world of Chicago which offers those in training as actors a far greater opportunity to perform, to be seen, and to gain a certain degree of fame and notoriety. Chicago, the United States’ self-proclaimed “second city”, has a great deal to offer the young actor looking for his or her big ...

A 5 page paper which describes differences between specific characters in "The Man of Mode" by Sir George Etherege. The characters discussed are Lady Loveit, Bellinda, and Lady Harriet, and Dorimant, Sir Fopling and Medley. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page paper which discusses, and then compares the main characters of "Antigone" by Jean Anouilh and "A Man For All Seasons" by Robert Bolt in relationship to their motivations and actions. These motivations and actions further support their perspectives of self. Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the play "Los Vendidos" by Luis Valdez. The paper approaches the play with a feminist criticism as well as discusses some thematic elements such as symbolism, irony, conflict, and setting. Bibliography lists 4 additional sources.

A 5 page essay that compares the focus on identity in Samuel Beckett's play Krapp's Last Tape with that portrayed in Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House. The writer argues that each playwright has their protagonist go through a process of self-discovery, in which the reality of their lives is suddenly seen through fresh eyes. This ...

This 5 page paper considers the different theories and styles of these playwrights and critics, all of which can be seen as perspective of their time. The bibliography cites 2 sources.

8 pages in length. Along with a handful of other famous playwrights, Joanna Baillie represents the epitome of theatrical feminism. language of the dialogue in Count Basil points the audience toward her conclusion on heroism, masculinity and femininity by way of boldly contesting the path upon which the nineteenth century Baillie saw theater ...