A Weekend at Lillian Aldwinkle's: An Adaptation of Text, A Discovery of Self

Abstract

This thesis depicts the journey of adapting Aldous Huxley’s novel Those Barren Leaves into the play A Weekend at Lillian Aldwinkle’s. This thesis provides the necessary history to contextualize what went into this adaptation, which includes research around Victorian and Edwardian theater and Aldous Huxley’s practice of mysticism. Additionally, this thesis touches on adaptation theory and provides insight as to why and how Those Barren Leaves was selected for adaptation. Finally, this thesis includes a draft-by-draft summary of the writing process. Providing insight into personal creative practice, these honest, personal anecdotes reveal not only the process of adapting a play but also a journey of personal growth and discovery