늙음의 공연과 공동체 미학: 세라 룰의 『70세 생일을 맞은 피터 팬을 위하여』

Performing Aging and the Aesthetics of Community: Sarah Ruhl's For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday

This study examines the meaning of aging and the aesthetics of community in Sarah Ruhl’s For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday. Ruhl employs a meta-theatrical approach, blending autobiographical narrative and fantasy to encourage contemplation of aging. Ann’s transformation into Peter Pan symbolizes both Ruhl’s mother’s narrative and an elderly woman discovering her true self. Moreover, the journey of Ann and her siblings represents spiritual growth and self-transcendence in old age, emphasizing that aging is an opportunity to reconstruct life's meaning. Additionally, their successful flight through mutual support and positive thinking shows that we can continuously grow through self-awareness and solidarity, regardless of age. Finally, Peter Pan/Ann rising again through applause demonstrates the power of audience participation and the audience community, conveying that social connections are crucial for the elderly to rise again in our aging society.