A redefinition of traditional forms: The imagistic theatre of George Coates and Martha Clarke

Abstract

This thesis examines the continually changing avant-garde theatre and two artists who have emerged in the style of imagistic theatre. George Coates and Martha Clarke both abandon traditional literary playscripts and create their own work using images as the primary method of communication rather than the traditional word. Specific works of each artist are analyzed through use of text, storyline, visual elements, performer's role, audience reaction and in the case of Coates, his cinematic potentialities. This analysis begins to define the imagistic theatre and its application in the '90s. In addition, the overall potentiality for imagistic theatre as an important form of theatre in the future is discussed, with special attention to the multicultural and interdisciplinary approach.