Dramatic & Theatrical Process
DeRon S. Williams, PhD
This course is an introduction to the basic methods of analyzing and interpreting plays representative of the modern stage (from Ibsen to the present). It explores how text analysis is, for all theatre artists, a critical first step in transferring the printed play text to the stage.
This course provided a strong foundation in the critical reading, viewing, and analysis of theatrical works. Through the study of a diverse range of plays from various periods and styles, I developed a deeper appreciation for dramatic structure, character development, and thematic interpretation. Engaging with both written texts and live or recorded performances broadened my perspective on how theatre functions as an art form and a reflection of cultural and historical contexts. Overall, the course significantly enhanced my understanding of theatrical history while strengthening my analytical and interpretive skills.
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui by Bertolt Brecht
Performance Analysis
In Dramatic & Theatrical Process, I was introduced to the critical vocabulary and analytical frameworks necessary to engage thoughtfully with theatrical texts and performances. The course connected me with plays representing a wide range of forms, styles, and traditions, allowing me to explore the richness and diversity of dramatic literature. Through guided discussion and structured analysis, I had meaningful opportunities to examine the broader themes and “big picture” ideas within each work, while also learning to appreciate multiple perspectives and interpretations. This collaborative and inquiry-driven environment deepened my understanding of theatre and strengthened my ability to think critically about dramatic art.
Loyola University Chicago Production Poster (2024)
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
Final Project: Script Analysis & Directors Vision Presentation
For my final project in this course, I chose to step into the role of a director in order to explore how the patterns, motifs, and themes embedded in the text could be translated into a physical and visual space. This approach allowed me to consider how staging, movement, and spatial relationships might reinforce and illuminate the ideas of the play as the actors inhabit and interact within that environment. By interpreting the text through a director’s lens, I gained valuable insight into the collaborative process of theatre-making and the ways in which conceptual choices shape audience experience.
First-edition publication (Random House 1959)