Participatory Performance

Definition

Participatory performance refers to a style of theatre where the audience actively engages and interacts with the performance rather than being passive spectators. This form of theatre encourages collaboration, breaking down the barriers between performers and viewers, and often aims to create a shared experience. It is linked to various movements within avant-garde theatre, emphasizing the importance of audience involvement in shaping the narrative and the experience of the performance itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Participatory performance gained traction in the early 20th century as artists sought to break away from traditional theatrical conventions.
2. Vsevolod Meyerhold was influential in promoting participatory elements within his productions, encouraging audiences to interact with the performance.
3. This form of theatre often involves improvisation, allowing audiences to influence the direction and outcome of the performance.
4. Participatory performance can include a variety of formats, such as immersive theatre experiences where the audience moves through different spaces.
5. The rise of participatory performance reflects broader social changes, emphasizing community engagement and collective experiences in art.

Review Questions

• How does participatory performance differ from traditional forms of theatre in terms of audience engagement?
  • Participatory performance fundamentally alters the role of the audience by inviting them to actively engage with the performance rather than merely observing it. In traditional theatre, audiences sit passively, watching as actors convey a pre-determined narrative. In contrast, participatory performances encourage interaction, allowing audiences to influence the unfolding events. This shift fosters a sense of shared experience and collaboration between performers and spectators.
• Discuss how Vsevolod Meyerhold's approach to theatre incorporated participatory elements and what impact this had on avant-garde movements.
  • Vsevolod Meyerhold's approach emphasized physicality and expressionism, aiming to break down conventional barriers between actors and audiences. He implemented techniques that invited audience participation, allowing viewers to become part of the narrative experience. This radical shift not only influenced avant-garde movements but also laid groundwork for future experimental theatre practices that prioritize engagement and interactivity in performances.
• Evaluate the significance of participatory performance in contemporary theatre and how it reflects societal trends toward engagement and community involvement.
  • Participatory performance holds significant relevance in contemporary theatre as it mirrors growing societal trends towards community involvement and shared experiences. By engaging audiences directly in performances, artists foster connections that go beyond mere observation, inviting reflection on social issues and personal narratives. This approach aligns with modern values of inclusivity and collaboration, making theatre a more dynamic platform for dialogue and engagement in today’s society.

Related terms

Avant-Garde Theatre: A movement that pushes boundaries and challenges traditional norms of performance, often experimenting with new forms, styles, and techniques.

Theatre of the Absurd: A theatrical style characterized by illogical situations, nonsensical dialogue, and a focus on existential themes, often reflecting the absurdity of human existence.

Site-Specific Performance: Performances that take place in a unique location, chosen for its significance to the story or themes, encouraging a deeper connection between the audience and the environment.