Devised theatre

Definition

Devised theatre is a collaborative performance-making process where the script originates from the collective input of the performers and creative team, rather than from a pre-existing text. This form of theatre emphasizes experimentation and often incorporates various media and styles, making it well-suited for alternative and experimental performance spaces. By relying on the unique perspectives and skills of each member, devised theatre fosters innovation and challenges traditional storytelling techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Devised theatre often begins with a central theme or concept that the creative team explores through workshops, improvisation, and collaboration.
2. The process of creating devised theatre can lead to diverse performance styles, incorporating elements like movement, music, and visual art to tell a story.
3. This approach allows for greater inclusivity, as all participants have a voice in shaping the narrative and structure of the performance.
4. Devised theatre is particularly effective in alternative spaces, as it can adapt to various environments, creating unique experiences tailored to each location.
5. The final product of devised theatre is usually fluid and may continue to evolve even after its initial presentation, reflecting ongoing dialogue among the creators.

Review Questions

• How does devised theatre differ from traditional scripted performances in terms of collaboration and creativity?
  • Devised theatre stands out from traditional scripted performances by prioritizing collaboration among all participants during the creation process. Instead of relying on a pre-written script, performers and creators come together to generate ideas and explore themes collectively. This collaborative approach encourages creativity and allows for diverse perspectives to shape the final production, resulting in a unique and often more dynamic theatrical experience.
• Discuss the advantages of utilizing alternative performance spaces for devised theatre productions.
  • Alternative performance spaces offer numerous advantages for devised theatre productions by allowing for flexibility in staging and audience engagement. These spaces can be tailored to fit the themes and concepts of a show, enabling creative teams to design performances that interact with their surroundings. Additionally, using unconventional venues often fosters a closer connection between performers and audiences, enhancing immersion and making the experience more memorable.
• Evaluate how devised theatre can challenge conventional narrative structures and what implications this has for audiences in experimental settings.
  • Devised theatre challenges conventional narrative structures by encouraging non-linear storytelling and diverse forms of expression. In experimental settings, this approach invites audiences to engage with performances in unexpected ways, prompting them to interpret meaning based on their own experiences. As a result, audiences may find themselves more actively involved in the creation of meaning during performances, leading to deeper connections with the work and broader discussions about art's role in society.

Related terms

Physical Theatre: A form of performance that uses physical movement and gestures as the primary means of expression, often combined with elements of dance and visual arts.

Site-Specific Theatre: A type of performance designed to take place in a specific location, utilizing the space's unique characteristics to enhance the storytelling.

Immersive Theatre: A theatrical experience that engages the audience actively, often allowing them to move through the performance space and interact with the actors.