Deconstructing the Vagina Monologues: A Taxonomic Approach to Social Change

Author

Erin N. Renard, Fort Hays State University

Department

Communication Studies

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

This study deconstructs Eve Ensler's Obie award winning 1996 play, The Vagina Monologues using theatrical genres as a means of comparative analysis. Genres studied: Social, Popular and Feminist Theatre, were chosen for their similarity with the play’s theme of theatre for social change. Typologies were constructed in an effort to conceptualize genres, their sub-genres and their descriptors. Using these typologies, a comparative analysis was made of The Vagina Monologues, utilizing published interviews with the author, critiques of the play, V-Day Campaign, televised performance of and excerpts of the script. My results revealed the genre, Social Theater, as containing the most shared descriptors to The Vagina Monologues. However, a number of descriptors from other studied genres (Popular and Feminist Theatre) were also applicable.

Keywords

Communications

Advisor

Carolyn Sue Strohkirch

Date of Award

Summer 2006

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

DOI

10.58809/CPCZ9792

Recommended Citation

Renard, Erin N., "Deconstructing the Vagina Monologues: A Taxonomic Approach to Social Change" (2006). Master's Theses. 2995.
DOI: 10.58809/CPCZ9792
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/2995

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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