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'Kali's follies: Midlife at the Millennium'. Theatre as depth psychology praxis
Montgomery, L. E. (2001). 'Kali's follies: Midlife at the Millennium'. Theatre as depth psychology praxis. (Doctoral dissertation, Pacifica Graduate Institute, 2001). UMI No. 3029743.
This dissertation consists of the artistic creation of a one-woman theatrical performance entitled "Kali's Follies: Midlife at the Millennium." The performance comically dramatizes attitudes, trends, and dominant Western cultural projections towards women in menopause framed against the backdrop of apocalyptic "millennial madness." The literature review surveys the medicalization of menopause, its dissociative and liminal aspects, how menopausal and the millennial processes inform and mirror each other, the parallels between the colonization of the body of woman and body of earth, and women's writing as a liberating and decolonizing force. The artistic methodology as depth psychology praxis is explored in depth from a variety of perspectives, including the creative calling, the dialogic nature of psyche, the artist and the wounded body, the mythic origins of the actor and theatre, the tradition of women and comedy, and the artistic gift. The script for the performance as well as a scene-by-scene analysis demonstrates the integration of psychological gnosis, historical trends, cultural critique, and a personal journey of individuation. Concluding reflections concern the menopausal woman's voice, confrontation with death and aging, initiatory encounters with the Dark Goddess, and the performance within the context of the feminist movement and global issues.
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