Devised theatre

Definition

Devised theatre is a collaborative performance-making process where the script and concept are created by a group of performers, rather than being pre-written by a single playwright. This approach allows for a high level of creativity and experimentation, as it incorporates input from various members of the ensemble, leading to unique and original works. The focus on collaboration also encourages a dynamic relationship between performers and the material, which can deeply influence the final production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Devised theatre often involves workshops where performers experiment with ideas, movements, and themes before developing a cohesive piece.
2. The lack of a traditional script in devised theatre allows for flexibility and adaptation during rehearsals, enabling the work to evolve over time.
3. Many famous theatre companies, such as Complicité and Punchdrunk, are known for their work in devised theatre, creating immersive and site-specific performances.
4. Devised theatre can include elements of various performance styles, such as dance, spoken word, and multimedia, blending genres for a richer experience.
5. This form of theatre encourages inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and voices within the creative team, often resulting in socially relevant content.

Review Questions

• How does devised theatre facilitate collaboration among performers compared to traditional scripted performances?
  • Devised theatre promotes collaboration by involving all performers in the creation process, allowing them to contribute ideas, movements, and concepts from the very beginning. This contrasts with traditional scripted performances where the text is usually set by a playwright before rehearsals start. In devised theatre, each member's input shapes the direction of the piece, fostering a sense of ownership and investment in the final production.
• Discuss the role of improvisation in devised theatre and how it impacts the development of the performance.
  • Improvisation plays a crucial role in devised theatre as it allows performers to explore their characters and scenarios spontaneously. This element can lead to unexpected moments that enhance creativity and innovation within the piece. By incorporating improvisation during rehearsals, performers can discover new dynamics and relationships that inform the overall structure of the performance, resulting in a more organic creation.
• Evaluate how devised theatre challenges traditional notions of authorship and storytelling within performance art.
  • Devised theatre challenges traditional notions of authorship by shifting the focus from a single playwright's vision to a collective creation by multiple artists. This collaborative approach redefines storytelling by integrating diverse perspectives and experiences into the narrative. As a result, devised works often reflect more complex social themes and issues, making them resonate deeply with audiences while also redefining who gets to tell stories in the realm of performance art.

Related terms

Collaborative creation: A process in which artists work together to develop ideas, concepts, and performances, often resulting in innovative and multifaceted works.

Improvisation:

The spontaneous creation of dialogue or action within a performance, allowing performers to respond to each other and the audience in real time.

Physical theatre: A form of performance that emphasizes movement, gesture, and visual storytelling over spoken dialogue, often used in devised theatre to convey emotion and narrative.