The American Place Theatre

One of William Faulkner's finest novels, As I Lay Dying was originally published in 1930, and remains a captivating and stylistically innovative work. The story revolves around a grim yet darkly humorous pilgrimage, as Addie Bundren's family sets out to fulfill her last wish: to be buried in her native Jefferson, Mississippi, far from the miserable backwater surroundings of her married life. Told through multiple voices, it vividly brings to life Faulkner's imaginary South, one of the great invented landscapes in all of literature.

This experiential ninety minute educational event will give students a new access to the challenging novel by William Faulkner.  Drawing primarily from the voice of the mother but maintaining the integrity of Faulkner’s collage style, the twenty minutes of verbatim performance will give students an intimate window into the complexities of the Bundren family and the depth of their longing to connect to one another and the world around them.

The performance is followed by an interactive activity where the students will ask questions of family members as a way to further their understanding of this emotionally raw and pioneering novel.  Finally students are encouraged to draw parallels to their own lives through skill building theatre and writing exercises. 

Ultimately they will walk away having internalized Faulkner’s stream-of-consciousness style by exploring the point of view of someone from their own life.