Directing Tragic Farce to Address Escapism: A Case Study of the Maids by Jean Genet

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the directing process of tragic farce through a case study of Jean Genet’s The Maids, with the purpose of effectively communicating the issue of escapism. Utilizing a practice-as-research methodology, the study involved script analysis, a directing approach designed to integrate the tragic emotions of tragedy with the humorous elements of farce, actor rehearsals, actual stage performances, and quantitative data collection through audience questionnaires with a sample of 325 viewers. Findings indicated a predominantly positive audience response towards the directing process of tragic farce, highlighting that the blend of tragic and comedic elements was effectively balanced and well-integrated, successfully raising awareness and encouraging reflection on the issue of escapism among viewers. The researcher further suggests that directing tragic farce performances aimed at communicating complex and sensitive social issues should strategically emphasize comedic components to alleviate audience tension and mitigate feelings of emotional heaviness, while preserving a balanced and effective portrayal of the core message. Additionally, future studies and creative explorations should continue to refine directing techniques to broaden accessibility and engagement among diverse audience demographics.