Date of Award

12-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.F.A.

Degree Program

Film and Theatre

Department

Film and Theatre

Major Professor

Erik Hansen

Second Advisor

Henry Griffin

Third Advisor

Katie Garagiola

Abstract

In New York City, 2004, 20-year-old Michael Kurotori is a professional ballet dancer and instructor working for the prestigious Brigid Ballet Academy. Under the supervision of his mentor, Prima Ballerina Anya Vladislav, Michael is quickly approaching the top of his career - until a new student threatens to steal Anya’s attention away. Suddenly, Anya is missing. And Michael, hiding dark secrets behind his mask of perfectionism, is approached by mysterious stalker, Thomas Wolf with evidence of his involvement…

“Overture” is the first episode of PAS DE DEUX, an eight-hour story about honor, identity, and the effect of trauma and mental illness from the queer perspective. Michael’s insecurity in his trans identity, warped sense of self, and childhood trauma make him chase any sense of worthiness he can cling to - with deadly consequences for anybody that stands in his way.

Rights

The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.

Download

Share

COinS