Theatre BA, Karli Jean Lonnquist, spent her summer as a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow at Chapman’s Center for Undergraduate Excellence. In her exploration of how contemporary adaptations of historical plays help modern audiences respond to conflict, she developed a dual practice-as-research and qualitative methodology. 

Karli Lonnquist

 

Karli’s eight-week fellowship program included researching the process of theatrical adaptation and modern United States Politics with the goal of adapting Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit for a contemporary audience. Set in the present-day United States, the adaptation explores the corruption of modern democracy, political polarization, and performance of identity during conflict in our current political climate. To conclude her fellowship, Karli presented her research at the Chapman Summer Research Showcase, giving a two-minute flash talk presentation for an audience of peers and creating a poster to share with attendees.

 

“As a Theatre and Peace Studies double major, making intentional performance art that connects people through our shared humanity is my dream, and sharing this play with others has been nothing short of incredible,” shared Karli. 

Karli’s research doesn’t stop with the end of summer. Now, her project will transition into her BA Theatre senior thesis, and the finalized script will soon be moving into production. Chapman University Scholarly/Creative Grants will support her in developing the play with a larger team of Chapman students. Karli would like to thank the Department of Theatre Chair, Jocelyn Buckner, for her support and mentorship throughout the process.

See a workshop production of Karli’s script on November 14th and 15th in the O.L. Halsell Studio Theatre.

Karli Lonnquist