Complicité

Definition

Complicité refers to a deep sense of collaboration and mutual engagement between performers and the audience, creating a shared experience that enhances the impact of the performance. This concept emphasizes the importance of collective creativity, where all participants contribute to the storytelling process, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional connection. In devised theatre, complicité is essential for building trust, which allows for innovative exploration and expression of ideas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Complicité is built on trust, where performers feel safe to take risks and share their ideas without fear of judgment.
2. The term highlights the importance of active participation from both performers and the audience, blurring the lines between them.
3. In devised theater, complicité allows for spontaneous moments that can lead to powerful and unexpected outcomes.
4. Complicité fosters a sense of community among participants, making the experience more meaningful and impactful.
5. This collaborative spirit can enhance themes within the performance, allowing for deeper exploration of social issues and personal narratives.

Review Questions

• How does complicité enhance the collaborative process in devised theatre?
  • Complicité enhances collaboration in devised theatre by creating an environment where performers feel supported and encouraged to share their ideas. This mutual engagement leads to a richer creative process, as all members contribute equally to storytelling. The resulting dynamic fosters innovation and allows for unique moments to arise during performances, making each show distinct.
• What role does trust play in establishing complicité among performers in a theatrical setting?
  • Trust is fundamental in establishing complicité among performers because it enables them to express themselves freely without fear of criticism. When performers trust one another, they can take creative risks, share vulnerabilities, and fully engage in the collaborative process. This sense of safety strengthens their connection, leading to more authentic performances that resonate with audiences.
• Evaluate the impact of complicité on audience engagement during a performance. How does it change their experience?
  • Complicité significantly impacts audience engagement by inviting them into the performance as active participants rather than passive observers. When there is a strong sense of complicité, audiences feel a deeper connection to both the story and the performers, enhancing their emotional investment. This engagement transforms their experience from merely watching a show to becoming part of a shared journey, making the themes more relatable and poignant.

Related terms

Devised Theatre: A collaborative form of theater where artists create new works through collective input, often involving improvisation and experimentation.

Ensemble: A group of artists who work collaboratively in performance, emphasizing collective creativity and shared responsibility for the work.

Audience Engagement: The interaction and involvement of the audience during a performance, which can influence their emotional response and connection to the story.