Richard Schechner

Definition

Richard Schechner is a prominent American theater director, theorist, and scholar, known for his pioneering work in the field of performance studies. He played a crucial role in the evolution of modern theatre by advocating for an interdisciplinary approach that combines elements of anthropology, psychology, and art. His ideas about the nature of performance have significantly influenced both modernism and postmodernism, as well as the ways in which theatre is understood and created today.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Richard Schechner founded the Performance Studies department at New York University, establishing it as a major academic field.
2. He is known for his work with The Performance Group, which produced innovative and experimental works that challenged traditional theatrical forms.
3. Schechner's influential book 'The Future of Ritual' argues for the relevance of ritual practices in contemporary performance and highlights their potential to shape cultural narratives.
4. His concepts of 'restored behavior' emphasize how performances can both reflect and reshape societal norms by drawing from everyday actions.
5. Schechner has contributed significantly to the understanding of environmental theatre, promoting the idea that the space of performance itself can alter the meaning and experience of the work.

Review Questions

• How did Richard Schechner's work influence modern and postmodern theatre?
  • Richard Schechner's work had a profound impact on both modern and postmodern theatre by introducing new perspectives on performance that emphasized interdisciplinary approaches. His integration of elements from anthropology and psychology encouraged artists to explore deeper cultural narratives through their works. This shift led to an expansion of what constitutes performance, allowing for greater experimentation in form and content, which is a hallmark of postmodernism.
• In what ways does Schechner's concept of environmental theatre challenge traditional theatrical conventions?
  • Schechner's concept of environmental theatre challenges traditional theatrical conventions by blurring the lines between audience and performer. In this model, the performance takes place in a space that engages the audience physically and emotionally, often placing them within the action. This creates an immersive experience where spectators are not just passive observers but active participants, fundamentally altering their relationship to the performance itself.
• Critically assess Richard Schechner's contributions to performance studies and how they reshape our understanding of cultural practices.
  • Richard Schechner's contributions to performance studies critically reshape our understanding of cultural practices by emphasizing their dynamic nature and relevance in contemporary society. His focus on 'restored behavior' illustrates how performances can act as a lens through which societal norms are examined and reinterpreted. This approach encourages a deeper analysis of how rituals influence identity and community while also highlighting the fluidity between art and everyday life. As a result, Schechner’s work invites ongoing dialogue about the role of performance in shaping cultural narratives.

Related terms

Performance Studies: An academic discipline that examines performance in its various forms, including theater, dance, ritual, and everyday life, focusing on the social and cultural contexts of performance.

Environmental Theatre: A theatrical movement that seeks to integrate the audience and performers within a shared space, breaking down traditional boundaries and creating immersive experiences.

Restoration of Performance: Schechner's concept that explores how performance can be a means of reviving and reinterpreting cultural practices and traditions within contemporary contexts.