Document Type

Honors Thesis

Publication Date

Spring 5-2018

Abstract

Freud describes us as “prosthetic gods,” or creatures of free will and choice. This aspect of human nature is an important part of what makes us inherently human. It is, unfortunately, part of the human condition to struggle with the paradox of free will and human agency versus the idea of fate and destiny. Addiction intensifies this struggle by removing control from individuals’ lives, pushing them down the path of destruction. Without the idea of control, that part of what makes us human is gone.

The process of writing, editing, casting, and performing a play highlights this same struggle, in a sense. It allows for an individual to create their vision while having them know that the vision will take on a life of its own. So, in an attempt to exemplify what it means to be a Prosthetic God, I wrote and directed a one-act play with this title. The story touches on sensitive themes such as alcoholism, grief, domestic violence, and human agency. It is a universal story about losing faith and learning how to redeem oneself.

I assembled a production team of student designers to fulfill the tasks of stage management, lighting design, costume design, and sound design. I held auditions on March 6th, with callbacks the following day. We began rehearsing after Spring Break. Many rehearsals consisted of character-building exercises and script analysis to help develop a greater understanding of the show in order to provide a clear and accurate portrayal of the story. The play was performed on April 20th, 21st, and 22nd in the Al Cyrus Pavilion Theater.

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