After the megamusical : exploring the intimate form

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The megamusical has become one of the most popular performance forms, with productions such as The Phantom of the Opera (1986) and The Lion King (1997) running profitably for decades. In South Africa, where productions of megamusicals are tremendously popular, the form itself is increasingly unsustainable within an economic framework where ticket prices and production costs are often at odds. This dissertation investigates another form of musical theatre – the intimate musical – as a more sustainable model for creating musical theatre in South Africa. The study defines the intimate musical within certain limited fiscal, performative and aesthetic (visual and aural) frameworks, noting the use of a limited cast and orchestra size, imaginative staging techniques and focused narrative qualities as distinguishing features. This dissertation assesses and outlines the aesthetic principles of both the megamusical and the intimate musical and subsequently proposes that the intimate musical is a more sustainable model in which to resourcefully present imaginative productions with an alternative thematic and aesthetic scope. The study concludes with the creation and discussion of a new Afrikaans intimate musical, Fees, (Festival) that incorporates the aesthetic features of the intimate musical.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University