Seeking Release From the Armour of Dystonia as the Mother-Showman in Suzan-Lori Parks’ Venus

Abstract With this thesis I have embarked on the journey to seek release from the armour of dystonia and patiently rebirth my inner artist through playing the role of The Mother-Showman in Suzan-Lori Parks’ Venus. I set out to rediscover an uninhibited channel of expression and melt my more recent protective nature through physical and vocal practice gained from my training with master teachers David Smukler and Erika Batdorf. I have also drawn from my twenty-five years of experience as a professional actor. In my documented scholarly research I reconnected with the artistic journeys of others to release my own focus with confidence. I believe that I was mostly successful in the artistic challenge I set out for myself as an actor. The labour disruption that occurred during the scheduled rehearsal and performance dates of Venus affected the flow of my process immensely, but with surprisingly positive results.