Devised theatre is a collaborative approach to creating performances without a pre-existing script. It emphasizes collective creativity, incorporating multiple artistic disciplines and addressing contemporary issues through improvisation and non-traditional techniques.
Directors in devised theatre facilitate the creative process, curate material, and ensure cohesion. While challenges include lack of structure and time-intensive processes, benefits include increased creative freedom and stronger ensemble bonds. Clear timelines and shared methods help overcome obstacles.
Understanding Devised Theatre
Characteristics of devised theatre
- Devised theatre employs collaborative creation process without pre-existing script fostering ensemble-driven approach
- Emphasizes collective creativity promoting non-hierarchical structure and process-oriented methodology
- Incorporates multiple artistic disciplines (dance, visual arts, music) addressing contemporary issues or themes (climate change, social justice)
- Utilizes improvisation, physical theatre techniques, found text or documentary sources as creative tools
- Draws inspiration from visual or object-based stimuli (photographs, everyday items) to generate material
Strategies for collaborative creation
- Establish safe, supportive environment through trust-building exercises and clear communication guidelines
- Implement warm-up techniques including physical and vocal exercises alongside group bonding activities
- Utilize improvisation games emphasizing "Yes, and..." principle, status exercises, and character development
- Employ devising prompts exploring thematic concepts, visual or textual starting points, and personal experiences
- Foster group decision-making using consensus-building techniques and rotating leadership roles
- Encourage reflection through regular check-ins and peer-to-peer critiques to refine work
The Director's Role in Devised Theatre
Director's role in devised performances
- Facilitate creative process by guiding discussions, providing constructive feedback, maintaining focus on overall vision
- Curate and edit material selecting strongest ideas, identifying connections, developing through-lines and narrative arcs
- Structure performance arranging scenes, balancing elements, considering pacing and rhythm for cohesive experience
- Refine and polish work leading rehearsals, collaborating with designers on technical aspects (lighting, sound, set)
- Ensure cohesion of all production elements creating unified artistic vision
Challenges vs benefits of scriptless work
- Challenges include lack of clear starting point, potential for unfocused ideas, time-intensive process, difficulty planning production elements
- Benefits encompass increased creative freedom, stronger ensemble cohesion, ability to address current issues (pandemic response, technological impact)
- Strategies for overcoming challenges:
- Establish clear timelines and milestones
- Develop shared vocabulary and working method
- Implement regular progress evaluations
- Maintain flexibility while working towards concrete goals
- Enhanced adaptability and problem-solving skills emerge from navigating uncertainties in devising process