10.1 Postmodern and Postdramatic Theatre

Postmodern and postdramatic theatre shake up traditional storytelling. They reject clear plots and blur lines between actors and audience. These forms embrace fragmentation, multimedia, and active audience engagement.

These theatrical approaches reflect broader shifts in contemporary theatre. They challenge old norms, incorporate new technologies, and give voice to diverse perspectives. This evolution expands what theatre can be and do.

Postmodern and Postdramatic Theatre

Philosophical Foundations and Key Characteristics

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• Postmodern theatre emerged in late 20th century as response to modernist ideals rejecting grand narratives and embracing plurality, fragmentation, and skepticism towards established truths
• Postdramatic theatre challenges primacy of dramatic text emphasizing performative aspects over traditional narrative structures
• Key characteristics include intertextuality, pastiche, metatheatricality, and blurring boundaries between high and low culture (Shakespeare and pop culture references)
• Incorporate elements of deconstruction questioning relationship between signifier and signified in theatrical representation
• Concept of "performance text" expands beyond written dialogue to include all elements of staging (movement, sound, visual design)
• Philosophical influences include poststructuralism, deconstruction, and theories of philosophers (Jacques Derrida, Jean-François Lyotard)
• Challenge notion of unified, coherent subject often presenting fragmented or multiple identities on stage

Theoretical Concepts and Techniques

• Employ non-linear or cyclical storytelling techniques to challenge audience expectations
• Reject Aristotelian dramatic structure leading to performances lacking clear plot, character development, or resolution
• Blur boundaries between performers and audience challenging traditional fourth wall convention
• Incorporate multimedia elements to create layered and complex theatrical experiences (video projections, live feeds)
• Concept of "no longer dramatic theatre" emphasizes shift from text-based representation to event-based presentation
• Use techniques like pastiche and collage combining disparate elements to create new meanings and challenge traditional narrative coherence
• Incorporate non-actors or found spaces challenging conventional notions of theatrical professionalism and venue

Challenging Dramatic Conventions

Narrative and Structural Innovations

• Disrupt linear narrative structures employing non-linear or cyclical storytelling techniques
• Reject Aristotelian dramatic structure leading to performances lacking clear plot, character development, or resolution
• Blur boundaries between performers and audience challenging traditional fourth wall convention
• Employ multimedia elements creating layered and complex theatrical experiences (video projections, live feeds)
• Emphasize shift from text-based representation to event-based presentation in "no longer dramatic theatre"
• Use pastiche and collage techniques combining disparate elements to create new meanings
• Challenge narrative coherence through fragmented or non-sequential scenes

Performance and Staging Techniques

• Expand concept of "performance text" beyond written dialogue to include all staging elements
• Incorporate non-actors or found spaces challenging theatrical professionalism and venue conventions
• Emphasize physicality and movement in actor training and performance practices
• Explore use of technology in creating immersive theatrical experiences (virtual reality, interactive installations)
• Experiment with duration and repetition in performances challenging audience expectations
• Integrate multimedia elements to create multi-layered sensory experiences
• Utilize site-specific locations transforming non-traditional spaces into performance venues

Impact on Contemporary Theatre

Influence on Mainstream and Experimental Theatre

• Experimental approaches influenced mainstream theatre leading to hybrid forms in contemporary performance
• Expanded role of audience requiring more active participation and interpretation in creating meaning
• Increased focus on physicality and movement in actor training and performance practices
• Challenged traditional modes of criticism necessitating new frameworks for performance analysis
• Influenced development of immersive and site-specific theatre expanding boundaries of performance spaces
• Integrated technology paving way for digital and virtual theatre experiences (online performances, augmented reality)
• Contributed to diverse and inclusive theatre landscape giving voice to marginalized perspectives

Audience Reception and Participation

• Require more active engagement from audiences in interpreting and creating meaning
• Challenge traditional expectations of narrative coherence and character development
• Encourage audiences to question established truths and grand narratives
• Blur boundaries between performers and spectators in interactive or immersive performances
• Demand new modes of spectatorship adapting to non-linear or fragmented narratives
• Provoke critical thinking about the nature of representation and reality in theatre
• Expand notion of theatrical experience beyond traditional proscenium stage presentations

Influential Playwrights and Directors

Postmodern Playwrights and Their Works

• Heiner Müller created fragmented and intertextual works reinterpreting classical texts ("Hamletmachine")
• Caryl Churchill incorporated non-linear storytelling and role-doubling exploring complex social issues ("Cloud Nine", "Top Girls")
• Sarah Kane's later works demonstrated shift towards postdramatic forms emphasizing poetic language and fragmented structure ("4.48 Psychosis")
• Suzan-Lori Parks uses repetition and revision techniques to explore African American history and identity ("The America Play")
• Martin Crimp experiments with form and narrative structure challenging traditional playwriting conventions ("Attempts on Her Life")
• Elfriede Jelinek deconstructs language and theatrical form to critique societal norms and power structures ("Bambiland")
• Mac Wellman employs linguistic experimentation and non-linear narratives to create surreal theatrical landscapes ("Terminal Hip")

Postdramatic Directors and Their Approaches

• Robert Wilson creates visually-driven, non-narrative productions challenging notions of theatrical time and space
• The Wooster Group deconstructs classic texts and uses multimedia elements in postmodern theatre practice
• Forced Entertainment explores duration, failure, and boredom in theatre challenging conventional entertainment notions
• Romeo Castellucci produces visually stunning and provocative works emphasizing sensory experience over narrative coherence
• Tadeusz Kantor blends visual arts, performance, and found objects creating unique theatrical environments
• Pina Bausch revolutionized dance theatre integrating movement, text, and everyday gestures in non-linear performances
• Societas Raffaello Sanzio (Romeo Castellucci's company) creates highly visual and symbolic productions challenging traditional theatre forms