Year of Graduation
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MA: Theatre and New Play Development
Directing Professor
Rachel Dean
Abstract
Rainbows and Shades of Gray is an original musical that explores the complexities of addiction, memory, and grief through a nonlinear, liminal narrative structure. The story follows Aaron, a deceased veteran, father, and musician forced to confront moments from his life as he grapples with the impact of his addiction on his relationships with his wife, Danielle, and daughter, Natalia. Through a series of fragmented scenes spanning past and present, the musical examines the emotional aftermath of trauma and the ways in which love persists despite harm.
Blending dialogue and original music, the piece uses song as a narrative device to deepen character psychology and illuminate unspoken emotional truths. The work resists binary notions of morality, instead emphasizing the “shades of gray” that define human behavior, particularly in the context of addiction and its effects on families. Ultimately, the musical considers questions of accountability, forgiveness, and the possibility of understanding in the face of irreversible loss.
Recommended Citation
Savage, Lillian I., "Rainbows and Shades of Gray" (2026). Playwriting (MFA) Theses, Hollins University. 24.
https://digitalcommons.hollins.edu/playwritingtheses/24
Contact Information
lillianindiasavage@gmail.com
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the MFA in Playwriting thesis is to provide a definitive record of student progress upon completion of the degree. This text will not reflect any revisions to the play made after degree completion. For the most current version of the play, or for licensing information, please contact the author and/or the Hollins Playwriting Department.