Date of Award

1987

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Theatre

First Advisor

Richard Rickert

Second Advisor

Niki Juncker

Abstract

This culminating project by John Baptist Wainscott Jr. documents the directorial process and academic reflection involved in staging Angel Street (originally Gaslight) by Patrick Hamilton as part of an MFA in Theatre at Lindenwood Colleges. Despite a personal aversion to melodrama, Wainscott undertook the production due to institutional constraints and transformed the project into a meaningful exploration of artistic growth. The report is structured around key thematic inquiries: why this play was selected, who created it, what defines its genre, how the production was executed, and how its success was evaluated.

The work delves into the history and critical reception of Angel Street, analyzes its classification as a melodrama or psychological thriller, and contrasts it with realistic theatrical traditions. Wainscott reflects on his approach to directing, which emphasizes realism, and examines how this style influenced the portrayal of the play’s stylized characters and suspenseful plot. He discusses the production’s logistical challenges, including casting limitations, rehearsal constraints, and venue compromises, and outlines solutions such as script editing and creative staging.

The evaluation section critically assesses the artistic and educational outcomes of the project. Wainscott acknowledges both successes and compromises, particularly in his efforts to balance the melodramatic elements of the script with a realistic directorial approach. The audience's reception—often mistaking the play for a serious drama rather than a traditional melodrama—is cited as evidence of this effective reinterpretation.

Ultimately, this project is a reflection on artistic flexibility, the pedagogical value of directing within genre constraints, and the broader implications of staging classical works in contemporary educational and community theatre settings.

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