AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF BOBBI MASTERS, for the Master of Fine Arts degree in THEATER, presented on May 8, 2017, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: THE ARCHEOLOGY OF MEMORY: DIRECTING VIGILS BY NOAH HAIDLE MAJOR PROFESSOR: Olusegun Ojewuyi The Archeology of Memory…details the process of directing Vigils, which was presented on the Moe Stage at Southern Illinois University from September 15-18, 2016. This document records the process from play analysis through post-production evaluation. This document is chronological in order with a preface which explains my introduction and interest in the play. Chapter one is the pre-production work, including the research and analysis and the theories employed. Chapter two details the process from predesign meetings to the performances. Chapter three is an evaluation of the process and the lessons learned. Appendices include visual and aural research, production documentation and photographs.