research--Sam Shepard

[Mitch Hogg]

I am trying to find information for a thesis on Sam Shepard. My focus
(at present) is on Shepard as self-created myth (with help, of course,
from the media). Most of the articles I have found give a few lines to
"the Shepard Mystique," but none really go any further than a
perfunctory salute.
In a recent article in Modern Drama, Steven Putzel says, "The image of
Shepard as cowboy has been part of U.S. popular culture for so long now
that more people know the Stetson-topped, Luchesse-shod coverboy than
know the work of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright." This is typical
of the documents I have been finding; they all acknowledge the myth, but
don't tell me any more about it.
I am also interested in comparing Shepard with other playwrights who
have developed personae for themselves, particularly Bernard Shaw. Any
suggestions?
 
Mitch Hogg         BGIT at musicb.mcgill.ca