Lost Fool: Re-Inventing a Professional Theatre Process

This supporting thesis document chronicles the exploratory journey of developing and implementing a nascent creative studio practice, resulting in the crafting, rehearsal and performance of a solo, multi-media theatrical work entitled Lost Fool. I will research and document my experience of developing content for this production through the process of prayer and meditation, as well as the exploration of collected source images through a variety of movement modalities. The content being examined finds roots in three streams, including: my experience of being lost and/or disconnected, the 7th century Russian Orthodox saints labeled Holy Fools, and my Mennonite heritage. Lost Fool is the story of a father speaking to his son on the verge of the childs life-threatening operation. My intention through this multi-modal research model is to grow a new life-affirming creative process for devising impactful and authentic performance.