Prospects for the "Third Culture" Temporality in Dramatic Structure

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Myhill, Nova

Keywords

Science in Drama, Theater, Theatre, Contemporary Drama

Area of Concentration

General Studies

Abstract

This three part thesis considers temporality as a structural device in the dramatic text. The thesis first suggests that the structural manipulation of chronological time may serve as one of the best tools in representing modern science on the stage. In the Introduction, I explore several contemporary works approaching C.P. Snow�s 1959 call for a "third culture" of intellectual pursuit � a culture that would see an open dialogue between the sciences and the literary arts. Chapter One explores temporality both in terms of quantum mechanics and audience theory in an attempt to better understand the structural use of time seen in Michael Frayn�s 1998 quantum science play, Copenhagen. Chapter Two is an original play script of my own penning, Proretrogression, which serves as a creative exercise in the crafting of a play with manipulated time structuring. Chapter Three explores my motives in choosing a non-traditional timeline for Proretrogression, with discussion of Harold Pinter�s 1978 reverse-chronology play Betrayal.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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