12th Annual International Conference on Eugene O'Neill
Mythos and Masks: Eugene O’Neill in Ancient and Modern Contexts
Throughout his career, Eugene O'Neill demonstrated a profound interest in Greek mythology, narrative techniques, and dramatic structure. From his experimentation with masks to his intertextual engagement with the Orestes/Electra/House of Atreus mythology in Mourning Becomes Electra, O'Neill's work is replete with references or adaptations of ancient Greek theatrical tropes. Yet even with these foundations of Greek theater in his work (along with influences of Shakespeare and Strindberg), O’Neill would go on to write plays that transcended all different types of traditions. Such works would traverse geographical boundaries, exploring the depths of diverse cultures, landscapes, and characters from around the world.
As we gather in Athens to think about and even visit sacred sites of theater history, we might also contemplate the ways O’Neill celebrated, extended, or rebelled against what came before him.
Possible topics for papers/panels/exploration could include (but are not limited to!):
- O'Neill's use of masks in his plays and its significance in relation to ancient Greek theater traditions
- The interplay between O'Neill's narratives and Greek myths in works such as Mourning Becomes Electra
- O'Neill's contributions to the foundation of American drama vis-à-vis his utilization of Greek dramatic principles
- Greek influences on the Provincetown Players, including Jig Cook and Susan Glaspell’s connections to Delphi
- O'Neill's engagement with global issues such as colonialism, immigration, and identity
- The reception and interpretation of O'Neill's works in different countries and cultures
- Translations, adaptations, and performances of O'Neill's plays in various languages and cultural contexts
- Artistic visions of O’Neill: contributions from directors, playwrights, dramaturgs, and designers (lighting, scenic, sound, and costume)
- The business of producing O’Neill’s works--in his time and ours
- Teaching O’Neill: innovative classroom activities, new ways to approach the plays, AI/technology and pedagogy
Proposals are invited in these formats:
1. Individual papers of 15-20 minutes
2. Panel presentations on a particular theme with three speakers, none to exceed 20 minutes
3. Roundtable discussions of 75 minutes on a particular topic, with 3-6 participants
4. Creative works such as performances, staged readings, or videographic essays
5. Working Groups with an eye toward publication (possibly with the Eugene O’Neill Review)
6. Graduate Student and Advanced Undergraduate student presentations
7. Ted-talk style presentations
Please send a 250-word proposal, including name, academic affiliation, mail and email addresses, paper title, a brief abstract, biography (of 100 words), and desired format. Panel or roundtable proposals should include this information for all participants, with brief abstracts for panels or participant bios for roundtables. All proposals are due August 15, 2024. Send all proposals to Beth Wynstra (bwynstra@babson.edu) with the subject heading: Athens Conference.