Identifier

etd-03192013-151957

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Theatre

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This thesis details the writing process and performance of the author‘s partially autobiographical one-person play, "Turkey Boys." The play presents varying points of view on events in and around the small community of Atalissa, IA where, in 2009, 21 mentally disabled men were removed from the building where most of them had been living communally for more than 30 years. The men‘s employer, Henry‘s Turkey Service, was accused of mistreating the men, paying them at a sub-minimum wage level, providing inhumane living conditions, and verbally and physically abusing them. The piece is told in a documentary theatre style from multiple perspectives including the author‘s own, and incorporates 18 characters played by the same actor, with limited technical elements. The challenges and difficulties throughout the writing and performance process are detailed, theoretical and practical implications are examined, and a written copy of the script is included.

Date

2013

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Judy, George

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.3102

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