Dramaturgy offers history and context for "An American in Paris" cast, creative team and audiences
As the Performing Arts Department prepares their production of the fall musical “An American in Paris,” the student dramaturgy team is reflecting on how their research that provides essential historical context necessary to understand the characters’ experiences during WWII and the immediate post-war period in Paris.
Dramaturgy is the creative art of combining script analysis, contextual research and audience engagement. Student dramaturgs worked with “An American in Paris” director Alexandra Joye Warren, assistant professor of performing arts, to deepen cast engagement with topics such as the French resistance, Jewish experiences during the war, and jazz age Paris.
Warren notes that she was particularly fascinated by student research into “the role of women and how they used society’s expectations of them to do powerful work in supporting the resistance movement.”
For example, jazz performer Josephine Baker passed hidden messages in her sheet music in support of the French resistance. Dramaturg Grey Carr, who is a drama and theatre studies and creative writing double major, researched the deep involvement and impact of Black Americans like Baker on the culture of Paris. They discovered that their “influence both in person and abroad on French music and entertainment spreads far and wide over multiple decades,” which can “be seen, heard, and felt in the artistry of Elon’s production.”
The dramaturgs joined the cast for a discussion with Holocaust survivor Renée Fink, who shared her story of overcoming persecution. Dramaturg Lauren Catherine McHenry, a drama and theatre studies and theatrical design and technology double major, feels that this experience was most valuable during the creative process.
“It was a privilege to learn from her,” McHenry said, “and to connect her real-life experience with the characters in ‘An American in Paris’.”
Despite the serious subject matter, the musical portrays characters finding hope and meaning in their survival. They use visual art, music and dance to process their experiences and express their emotions. Dramaturg Addie Rankin, a drama and theatre studies and data analytics double major, hopes that audiences can take away “the value of art in hard times. Some of the most beautiful forms of artistry come from communities coming together in the wake of tragedies or people finding light in an otherwise grim society.”
The dramaturgy team also prepared a lobby display for audience members to learn more about these topics. Carr says that their dramaturgy work “provides a closer look at the context a viewer, performer, or creative artist may not have otherwise, such as the diversity in experiences of Parisians before, during and after WWII.” In addition to a poster display, audiences will have the opportunity to create art just like the characters portrayed on stage.
“An American in Paris” is inspired by the beloved 1951 film of the same name. It includes music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin and a book by contemporary playwright Craig Lucas. Elon’s production opens Oct. 31 in McCrary Theatre, with performances running for two weekends. Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts Box Office.