The use of themes derived from novels by William Faulkner as a basis for an original dance production

It was the purpose of this study to explore the choreographic possibilities found in the literary works of William Faulkner. The investigator selected works which dealt with emotional interplay among the characters. The findings of the investigator are evidenced in the present written form and were projected into an extended dance production choreographed, designed and staged in concert. The dance production was based upon a character Rosa Coldfield, in William Faulkner’s novel Absalom, Absalom! Methods: The investigator reviewed novels written by twentieth century novelist, William Faulkner. From the themes found in Faulkner’s novels, six themes were selected because of their recurrence throughout the literature and their impact upon the investigator. The findings were organized into the prescribed thesis form and include the following relevant information concerning the presentation of the dance: (1) selection of the themes (2) selection of personnel (3) selection of music (4) development of choreography (5) selection of costume and set design (6) staging and lighting of the dance work. Summary and Evaluation: This study is concerned with the use of themes recurrent in William Faulkner’s works as a basis for choreography. The written substantiation presented was limited to the following areas: (1) novels written by William Faulkner (2) the appropriateness for choreography of recurring themes used by Faulkner (3) the credibility of the use of flashback for the dance production. The investigation resulted in an extended dance production choreographed by the investigator. The description of the dance was limited to: (1) selection of themes (2) selection of personnel (3) selection of music (4) development of choreography (5) selection of costume and set design (6) staging and lighting of the dance work. The culminating project of the present study was a dance production, which fulfills that innate impulse to communicate ideas and feelings which cannot be stated in factual terms. These ideas and feelings are a part of the intuitive sense. The dance production, The Past Is Never Done. It Is Not Past, is in itself a representation of the views of the present investigator and the approach reflects these views. It is the fulfillment of the impulse to create.