Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Theatre Studies

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

This dissertation explores the lived experiences of Black women in academia, uplifting those interested in non-traditional or creative scholarship. Underrepresentation and attrition due to exclusionary academic practices is a systemic problem. What can Black feminist playwriting as research do for Black women in academia hoping to resist and connect to themselves and their community? What can playwriting as a Black woman doctoral student elucidate about the utility of playwriting as research, culturally informed epistemologies, and African American women's drama? By merging African American women's drama, Black feminist epistemologies, Practice as Research, and playwriting as research, I developed an onto-epistemological method called Prismatic Playwriting. Prismatic playwrights analyze Black women's creative and scholarly work and place them in dialogue with their lived experiences through playwriting as a research method. Prismatic Playwriting will provide an approach to scholarship for Black women that allows them to examine their lived experiences, engage with their community, and utilize creativity as a force for resistance and wellness. This dissertation will also demonstrate a model of culturally informed artistic scholarship for stakeholders in academia and provide insight into the immense need and desire for its acceptance.

Date

1-15-2025

Committee Chair

Sansom, Rockford

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