UC San Diego

ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS

"Love Your Curves and all Your Edges"

by

Tesiana Elie

Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance (Acting)

University of California, San Diego, 2015

Professor Gregory Wallace, Chair

During this year I've formed many special relationships. The most intimate was being reintroduced to my skin and voice. I had the privilege to learn about Sarah Bartman. A woman whose beauty, women today are still trying to replicate. By learning this woman I had the honor in learning about myself. Sarah was seen by all and heard to by none and sometimes as an actor I feel that way. But the beauty of Sarah was, she taught me how to use my voice when I felt the most hopeless. I had to learn how to be heard, while being proud of who I am. I know there is power in silence, but what I learned is that there is more power in being vulnerable.

Nina Simone said, "It's an artist's duty to reflect the times in which we live." Being here gave me the permission to call myself that. An artist. Where I come from names have power. So, if we as artist have power in our tongues, then can't I also change the meaning of beauty? Can I be a reflection of the most powerful, diligent, and divine women I know, and not have a European standard looking back? What I've learned is that we have the authority to strip silent fears and public struggles of their bondage. So I'm not interested in the world's standards I have my own. I would say this year was for reinforcing the curve of my hips and edge of my tongue.