Comedy, Kardashians, and Capitalism: The Effect of Ladyish
Submission Type
Event
Faculty Advisor
Molly Robey
Expected Graduation Date
2019
Location
Room E106, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-13-2019 11:00 AM
End Date
4-13-2019 12:00 PM
Disciplines
Education
Abstract
In the United States it is a well-known dilemma that many theatres have issues with producing theatre that is both artistically and economically viable. In his book The Empty Space, Peter Brooks outlines this problem and how theatrical productions created for financial purposes fails artistically. While this theory often holds true, it ignores the reliance US theatres have on producing work that makes enough money to keep the lights on. This paper will attempt to show a solution to this problem and to explore the method of using pop culture and comedy as a tool for creating theatre that is both artistically and economically viable. As seen in the play Ladyish written by Chelsea Marcantel and produced at Illinois Wesleyan University in 2017, commercial theater can entertain an audience while also having an important artistic message.
Comedy, Kardashians, and Capitalism: The Effect of Ladyish
Room E106, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
In the United States it is a well-known dilemma that many theatres have issues with producing theatre that is both artistically and economically viable. In his book The Empty Space, Peter Brooks outlines this problem and how theatrical productions created for financial purposes fails artistically. While this theory often holds true, it ignores the reliance US theatres have on producing work that makes enough money to keep the lights on. This paper will attempt to show a solution to this problem and to explore the method of using pop culture and comedy as a tool for creating theatre that is both artistically and economically viable. As seen in the play Ladyish written by Chelsea Marcantel and produced at Illinois Wesleyan University in 2017, commercial theater can entertain an audience while also having an important artistic message.