12.3 Devised theatre and collaborative creation processes

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

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• 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:
  1. Establish clear timelines and milestones
  2. Develop shared vocabulary and working method
  3. Implement regular progress evaluations
  4. Maintain flexibility while working towards concrete goals
• Enhanced adaptability and problem-solving skills emerge from navigating uncertainties in devising process