An Actor´s Tale

Abstract

In my thesis, I examine a story that I wrote, A Mountain Tale, and reflect on what inspired it, what I was hoping to share through it, and offer a critical account of the process of adapting this Tale to the stage as my final authorial presentation.1 In my earlier studies I graduated from filmmaking and originally this story would have been better suited as a film or animation. Thus, my process of adapting this work into the language of theatre gave me many valuable insights into the work of an authorial actor and also helped define what theatre, acting, and being in a relationship with the audience means to me. The first part of the thesis focuses on the summary of my Tale, examines my inspirations and addresses what I wished to share to the public through my story. In the second part I offer a thorough chronological account on the different theatrical tools and approaches I used to adapt the story, and discuss what sort of obstacles and discoveries appeared while I was rehearsing. Throughout my process I‘m also inspired by texts of renowned theatre practitioners and by bringing this awareness into my practical work I come to understand better what acting means to me. In the final part I form a conclusion and examine the form of my authorial presentation just before the final performance. I also reflect what being on stage means to me now, and look back on the long and diverse journey and consider what were the most essential lessons I learned, and what to consider further.