Date of Submission
12-2021
Type of Work
Exegesis and Creative Work
Principal Supervisor
Dr. Anne Chesher
Associate Supervisor
Dr. Teresa Rizzo
Second Associate Supervisor
Dr. Jodie Taylor
Keywords
Practice-led; storytelling analysis; thematic analysis; myths; mythology; television; screenwriting; interpretation; adaptation; meaning; symbolism; popular culture; sociality
Audience
Mature (M) - moderate impact language/themes, includes violence/nudity, not restricted to 15+
Abstract
Myths and stories are integral communication devices that cross both lived and shared experience while manifesting through internal and external meaning-making processes. To determine the nature of myths in and as popular culture, this project sought to use practise-led methods. In addition to storytelling and thematic analysis, this project involved the interpretation and adaptation of an ancient myth into a modern television series. By considering television shows as conduits of socio-political agendas, the creative process culminating in this exegesis highlighted how the perpetual influence of myths through knowledge, reference, and experience can be manipulated to drive cultural change.
As an example of a myth morphing based on intent and circumstance, the show – The Phae – was constructed through the identification of common characteristics associated with nymphs. These qualities were then translated through explicit and implicit manifestations to shift and reinforce a particular perspective or meaning. Through this, the show became an opportunity to tap into current zeitgeists, and reflect a changing world through female empowerment and climate action.
Through the development of the pilot script and concept documents, among other things, this exegesis entered conversations about myths thriving in ambiguity while relying on authenticity or trust, and that myths are embedded in active dichotomies and binaries. Further conclusions include myths existing in a participatory culture of individual and collective systems of understanding, and that myths can not only be translated across contexts, but they can fracture like the roots of a tree, where each new growth becomes itself a myth while still functioning through the original mythological system.
Notes
Additional acknowledgements: Mairi Cameron, Stephen Lance, Akshay Kalawar, Dr. Lola Montgomery.
Recommended Citation
Robinson, N. (2021). Writing Myths: Interpreting and Translating Meaning [Masters dissertation, SAE University College]. Creo. (Include DOI if available)