An exploration of doubleness through Kieslowski's films and my theatre practice

Date of Award

1-1-2001

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Master of Arts

School

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

Faculty

Faculty of Communications and Creative Industries

First Supervisor

Dr Maggi Phillips

Second Supervisor

Professor Neville Weston

Abstract

This thesis explores the theme of doubleness in the fields of film and theatre. I would like to use the word, “doubleness,” to refer to the wide range of states which contain any dual or overlapping aspects, beyond the normal association of the word, “double,” as meaning, “a person who looks exactly like another.” I also use the word, “doubling,” when I would like to emphasise the act of repeating or overlapping states. I will examine the doubleness not only within or in between characters but also within relationships between the created film world and the real world in which the creators have produced the film reality. The thesis consists of two parts. Part I deals with films by a Polish film director, Krzysztof Kieslowski, in three chapters. Kieslowski is a Polish film director who was born in 1942 and died in 1996. He started his career as a documentary filmmaker and shifted to become a feature film director, which has earned him a great international acclaim. The first chapter will examine the issue of doubleness in The Double Life of Veronlque, focusing on the doubled relation between Weronika and Veronique as well as on Veronique's boyfriend, Alexandre's interaction within this doubled relationship. The significance of Alexandre's occupation as a puppeteer is considered as part of the argument. The doubleness found in the process of the production is also discussed. The second chapter will be divided into three sections in order to discuss different types of doubleness in the three works that constitute a trilogy, Three Colours: Blue, White, Red. The final chapter of Part I will consider the doubling between the creators and the created of these films, focusing on some of the film characters who are seen as doubles of the director and the musical director. His earlier works will also be discussed when relevant throughout these three chapters... Part II introduces my own theatre creations and includes some comparisons with Kieslowski’s films. My theatrical work created during the course mainly concerns the scriptwriting and staging of Cui de Sac and Requiem. Cui de Sac was written and staged and deals with the main characters self-discovery through encounters with her doubles in dream. Requiem was produced in the following year and features an integration of classical piano performance as part of a theatrical piece. Here the central issue is the double personality of her dead twin sister inside her mind. The whole thesis deals with the issue of doubleness in order to explore the significance of understanding this subject for a richer comprehension of films and theatre works; for a better understanding of one's own identity; and for acknowledging the connections between people beyond time and space through this mysterious mediation of doubles.

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