Participatory performance

Definition

Participatory performance refers to a style of theatrical presentation in which the audience actively engages and contributes to the performance, breaking down the traditional barrier between performers and spectators. This form of performance fosters a sense of community and shared experience, allowing for spontaneity and improvisation while encouraging the audience to be an integral part of the storytelling process. In the context of medieval staging and performance practices, participatory performance was prevalent in various forms, including mystery plays and festivals, where the audience’s involvement was crucial to the overall experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Participatory performances were common in medieval times, particularly during religious festivals where the audience played roles or provided feedback.
2. The use of pageant wagons allowed for performances to travel throughout towns, inviting spontaneous participation from bystanders as they encountered the play.
3. In some cases, audience members were invited to step into roles themselves, leading to a more immersive experience and creating a shared narrative.
4. Many mystery plays relied on local communities for casting and production, making it a communal effort rather than a strictly professional endeavor.
5. The blurring of lines between actors and spectators in participatory performances helped reinforce social and cultural values, making theatre a vital part of community identity.

Review Questions

• How did participatory performance shape the relationship between audiences and performers in medieval theatre?
  • Participatory performance fundamentally altered the dynamic between audiences and performers by breaking down the barriers that typically separate them. In medieval theatre, particularly during mystery plays, audience members often became part of the performance itself, whether through direct involvement or by responding to the action. This engagement created a sense of community among spectators and performers alike, allowing for shared storytelling and collective experiences that were deeply rooted in local culture.
• Discuss how mystery plays exemplified the concept of participatory performance during medieval times.
  • Mystery plays are prime examples of participatory performance because they directly involved local audiences in both the production and presentation processes. These religious dramas often included community members as actors or as part of the audience who interacted with the play. The performances were typically staged during festivals, allowing for spontaneous participation and feedback from attendees, thereby enhancing their emotional investment in the narrative. This interactivity was crucial to maintaining cultural traditions and religious teachings within the community.
• Evaluate the impact of participatory performance on community identity during the medieval period.
  • Participatory performance had a significant impact on community identity during the medieval period by reinforcing social norms and values through shared experiences. As local communities came together to produce and engage with performances like mystery plays, they not only entertained but also fostered a collective identity rooted in their cultural narratives. This active involvement helped maintain traditions and provided a platform for communal expression, making theatre an essential component of community life that contributed to their unique social fabric.

Related terms

Mystery plays: Religious dramas that depicted biblical stories and were performed during festivals, often involving local communities in their production.

Pageant wagons: Mobile stages used in medieval performances that allowed for dynamic storytelling by moving through different locations, enabling audience participation.

Theatre in the round: A staging configuration that places the audience on all sides of the performance space, enhancing their interaction and engagement with the action.