Document Type
Thesis - campus only access
Date of Award
Summer 1952
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Communication Studies
Advisor
Dr. Ralph V. Coder
Abstract
American drama was not firmly established, even by 1824. This fact can be seen by checking the subject matter used for plays in the United States up to this period. It is true that some American themes provided material for the stage, but the majority of plays had foreign themes. Charles II was of this latter class. The play, itself, is important for the opportunity it provides two great actors, Mr. Kemble and Mr. Fawcett, and the success it proved to be for its authors, John Howard Payne, and Washington Irving. The play is set in England during the Restoration. King Charles ruled from 1660 to 1685, and it was within this period the present production was limited. Authenticity was foremost and an exact reproduction of this period was attempted. Wherever possible the scenery, costuming, acting and direction were that of the Restoration Theatre. Such things as candles and proscenium doors could not be duplicated. The script used was from Representative American Plays, by Arthur Hobson Quinn. This thesis is divided into four parts. These are: research, script, production and evaluation. It is in part four, evaluation, that a summary is given of the production. The thesis was written for directors who, it is hoped, may gain help from it. Language and terms are the theatre’s and the play is for the actor.
Recommended Citation
Combest, Gayle N., "A Production Thesis of Charles The Second, Or The Merry Monarch" (1952). Master's Theses. 486.
DOI: 10.58809/VGCG6550
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/486
Rights
© 1952 Gayle N. Combest
Comments
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