Date

8-18-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The phrase ‘food insecurity’ has taken on a whole new meaning in the social consciousness. All around us the media and research have focused on the issue. In recent years the conditions of the pandemic, inflation, and unemployment have raised attention to the issue of food insecurity to a larger cross-section of American society. In consideration of this, I sought out the current research on food insecurity and the programs serving these food-insecure individuals to serve as a basis for a stage play. The research that proved most valuable in providing a base of inspiration for both the characters as well as the plot was Schneider and Ingram’s Theory on the Social Construction of Populations and the resulting sentiments present in the policy designed for them. As an additional element of personal research, to connect the research of Schneider and Ingram with conditions around me, I visited food pantries surrounding the Bridgewater area and south shore of Massachusetts. This served as the design of the food bank in the set of my production. It also served as the dialogue creation between characters in those scenes. Additionally, it helped connect current sentiments into some of the common themes of discussions with people volunteering at these community food banks and donation centers, as well as those who use their services. In my stage play, Taste, the realities of food-insecurity and the programs that serve those who require the resources for support are reimagined on the stage.

Department

Political Science and Theatre

Thesis Comittee

Prof. Miranda Giurleo, Thesis Advisor
Dr. Melinda Tarsi, Thesis Advisor
Prof. Emmett Buhmann, Committee Member
Prof. Lisa Rafferty, Committee Member

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