A Remembrance of the Belle: Emily Dickinson On Stage

Abstract

In September 2009, I served as the Production Dramaturg for the New York premiere production of Emily: An Amethyst Remembrance. During my research process, I learned that the true persona Emily Dickinson does fit into one particular stereotype. In this thesis I provide, I examine three different theatrical interpretations of the character of Emily Dickinson: Allison's House by Susan Glaspell, The Belle of Amherst by William Luce, and Emily: An Amethyst Remembrance by Chris Cragin. Though each of these texts are quite different in structure, they each depict woman who is strong and loving; she is not afraid of the world, but rather it is her choice to exclude herself from it. These plays provide audience members the opportunity to get to know the famous poet on a more personal level, and their perceptions about her cannot help but be changed by the end of the performance.