The Creative Process of Devised Play “Just Scream, Darling!”

Abstract

This study examines the creation of the stage play “Just Scream, Darling!”, a production developed under the undergraduate Performing Arts Thesis. The play explores the challenges faced by performing arts graduates in navigating their careers post-graduation, reflecting the experiences, thoughts, and emotions of the creators regarding the identity and societal expectations of performing arts students. Central to the narrative is the critical question: “What job will you do after graduation?”

The creative process employed the Devised method to develop the play’s themes, script, and performance style. Drawing from concepts such as anxiety, dreams, and societal constraints, the creators engaged in practical experimentation, incorporating personal experiences into the development of scenes and characters. The resulting production combines elements of sitcom and shows formats, using humor and satire to portray the struggles of four newly graduated friends as they navigate the tension between aspirations and reality. The play highlights the pressures and expectations placed on graduates, both internally and externally, in a competitive and restrictive social environment. Through its narrative, it prompts audiences to reflect on their own dreams, perseverance, and the significance of friendship in overcoming challenges. This study contributes to the discourse on the role of devised theatre in addressing socio-cultural issues and fostering self-reflection among both performers and audiences.