Devising theatre

Definition

Devising theatre is a collaborative process where a group of artists come together to create original performances through improvisation, experimentation, and collective input. This method encourages creativity by allowing actors, directors, and playwrights to contribute their ideas and perspectives, often resulting in unique narratives and forms. It fosters a sense of ensemble among participants as they share ownership of the work and collectively shape the outcome.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Devising theatre can lead to innovative storytelling methods that break away from traditional scripts, making each performance distinct.
2. The process often involves workshops or rehearsals where actors brainstorm and develop material together, allowing for a diverse range of ideas to be included.
3. It allows for personal expression and can address contemporary social issues, making the performance relevant to current audiences.
4. Devising theatre often includes elements of experimentation, such as testing different staging techniques or integrating multimedia components.
5. The final product can result in various forms such as site-specific performances or interactive pieces that engage the audience in unique ways.

Review Questions

• How does the process of devising theatre help build a sense of ensemble among participants?
  • The process of devising theatre encourages collaboration among all participants, leading to shared ownership of the creative work. As actors, directors, and playwrights contribute their ideas and collaborate in real-time, it fosters trust and communication. This communal effort helps build relationships within the ensemble, making everyone feel valued and connected to the final performance.
• What role does improvisation play in the devising theatre process, and how does it enhance creativity?
  • Improvisation is essential in devising theatre as it allows artists to explore characters, dialogue, and scenarios spontaneously. This unscripted approach opens up avenues for experimentation and encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones. By embracing improvisation, artists can generate fresh ideas and narratives that may not emerge through traditional script development.
• Evaluate how devising theatre can address contemporary social issues within its creative framework.
  • Devising theatre provides a platform for exploring contemporary social issues because it allows artists to draw from their own experiences and perspectives. The collaborative nature means diverse viewpoints are integrated into the creation process, which can lead to performances that resonate with current societal concerns. By engaging with these issues creatively, devising theatre not only entertains but also educates and provokes thought within its audience.

Related terms

Collaborative Creation: A process where multiple artists work together to develop a piece of art, emphasizing the contributions of all involved rather than a single author.

Improvisation:

A spontaneous performance technique that allows actors to create dialogue and actions in the moment, often used in devising to explore characters and scenarios.

Physical Theatre: A genre of performance that emphasizes movement and physicality as primary means of expression, often utilized in devising to convey stories without relying solely on dialogue.