Music as the Protagonist

Abstract

This master thesis is a research on the Music Theatre genre. My intention is to examine how the use of music and sound as main components can open for new structures and methods in a theatre process and performance. The genre is in a situation of constant exploring which is resulting in artists finding new methods for their artistic work. I am starting the thesis with a smaller research on hearing and the function of the ears in a theatre context. In this part I am aiming for a basic knowledge on how we are using our ears while attending theatre. I continue by writing about the genre, music theatre, from a historical point of view. Starting with the music theatre in the ancient Greece until the music theatre of our time, I am focusing on different forms, artists and happenings that have been of importance for the music theatre and its development. Further I write about the term music theatre and its many definitions, before ending the chapter with introducing the directors/composers Nikolaj Cederholm and Heiner Goebbels. I am analysing two different music theatre performances, one by Cederholm called Teaterkoncert Beethoven and one by Goebbels called Stifters Dinge, to get a deeper understanding of their methods and visions regarding music theatre. I am looking at differences and similarities in the two performances. The next part of my thesis is about my own experience of making music theatre. I am sharing my thoughts and reflections around the two processes and performances I have directed in my final year of studying. The last part is a discussion and reflection around the research I have done, and experiences I have had regarding music and sound in theatre and how it can open for new structures and methods in a theatre context.