Richard Schechner

Definition

Richard Schechner is a prominent theater director, scholar, and theorist known for his pioneering work in the fields of performance studies and environmental theater. His ideas have significantly influenced the way theater interacts with space, audience, and context, emphasizing the importance of found spaces and adaptable environments in performance art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Schechner's work often blurs the lines between performance and everyday life, inviting audiences to engage with the act of performance in new ways.
2. He founded The Performance Group in the 1960s, which became known for its experimental approaches to theater and use of non-traditional spaces.
3. Schechner's concept of 'restored behavior' highlights how performances can reflect and reinterpret social interactions and cultural rituals.
4. His influential book 'Environmental Theater' outlines principles for creating immersive experiences that utilize space creatively and meaningfully.
5. Schechner's emphasis on ritual and community in theater has reshaped how artists think about audience involvement and the social function of performance.

Review Questions

• How did Richard Schechner's ideas about found spaces influence contemporary performance practices?
  • Richard Schechner's ideas on found spaces have led to a broader understanding of how performances can transform ordinary locations into dynamic sites for storytelling. By encouraging artists to utilize existing environments, Schechner shifted the focus from traditional theaters to locations that resonate with the themes of the work. This approach promotes a deeper engagement with the audience as they experience performances in contexts that are familiar yet charged with new meaning.
• In what ways does Schechner's concept of environmental theater redefine audience participation?
  • Schechner's concept of environmental theater redefines audience participation by breaking down the barriers between performers and spectators. In this framework, the environment itself becomes an active participant in the performance, inviting audiences to navigate and interact with the space. This participatory approach allows for a more immersive experience, where spectators are not just passive observers but integral to the unfolding narrative.
• Evaluate how Richard Schechner’s theories can be applied to modern site-specific performances and their societal implications.
  • Richard Schechner’s theories can be applied to modern site-specific performances by encouraging artists to consider how location influences meaning and audience engagement. His ideas promote performances that resonate with community contexts, making art relevant to contemporary societal issues. By integrating local history, culture, and social dynamics into their work, these performances not only reflect but also challenge societal norms, fostering dialogue and deeper understanding among diverse audiences.

Related terms

Performance Studies: An interdisciplinary field that examines performance as a cultural phenomenon, incorporating perspectives from theater, anthropology, sociology, and more.

Site-Specific Theater: A form of theatrical performance that takes place in a location specifically chosen for its relevance to the narrative or themes of the work, often enhancing audience engagement.

Environmental Theater: A type of performance that emphasizes the physical environment as an integral part of the theatrical experience, breaking traditional boundaries between actors and spectators.