Audience as subject

Definition

The concept of 'audience as subject' refers to the idea that the audience is not just passive spectators but active participants who engage with and influence the performance. This perspective transforms the audience from a distant observer into a co-creator of meaning, allowing them to reflect on their own experiences and societal issues. By encouraging audience engagement, performances can elicit dialogue, provoke thought, and inspire action within communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the context of social change, viewing the audience as subject allows for a deeper exploration of collective experiences and issues.
2. This approach empowers audiences by validating their voices and perspectives, making them an integral part of the storytelling process.
3. Engaging the audience as subjects can lead to transformative experiences, prompting them to consider their own agency and potential for activism.
4. This concept challenges traditional hierarchical structures in theatre, promoting a more egalitarian model where every participant has a role in shaping the narrative.
5. The idea encourages feedback loops during performances, fostering a dynamic interaction that can alter the direction or focus of the piece in real-time.

Review Questions

• How does viewing the audience as subject change the dynamic between performers and spectators?
  • Viewing the audience as subject transforms the dynamic by breaking down traditional barriers between performers and spectators. Instead of merely observing, audience members become active participants who can influence the performance. This engagement fosters a collaborative environment where shared experiences and diverse perspectives contribute to the narrative, enhancing both personal reflection and collective understanding.
• Discuss how participatory theatre techniques can exemplify the concept of audience as subject.
  • Participatory theatre techniques exemplify the concept of audience as subject by actively involving spectators in the performance process. Through methods like Forum Theatre, audience members can step into roles, offer alternative viewpoints, or even change plot directions based on their insights. This direct engagement not only allows them to influence outcomes but also empowers them to confront social issues in a supportive setting.
• Evaluate the impact of the audience as subject on creating social change through performance.
  • The impact of the audience as subject on creating social change is profound, as it fosters an environment where individuals feel empowered to voice their experiences and perspectives. By encouraging interaction and dialogue within performances, this approach facilitates critical reflection on societal issues and inspires audiences to take action beyond the theatre space. Ultimately, it positions audiences not just as witnesses but as vital agents of change capable of driving collective action in their communities.

Related terms

Participatory Theatre:

A form of theatre that invites the audience to engage actively in the performance, often breaking the traditional boundaries between actors and spectators.

Forum Theatre: An interactive form of theatre created by Augusto Boal where audience members can intervene in a play to explore different outcomes and solutions to social issues.

Spect-actor: A term coined by Augusto Boal to describe an audience member who actively engages with the performance, taking on both spectator and actor roles to effect change.