New Dramaturgy: International Perspectives on Theory and Practice

New Dramaturgy is a cutting-edge approach to theater-making that emphasizes the collaborative process between playwrights, directors, and actors. This article explores the history, theory, and practice of New Dramaturgy from an international perspective, drawing on case studies from around the world.

History of New Dramaturgy

The origins of New Dramaturgy can be traced back to the early 20th century, when playwrights such as Bertolt Brecht and Luigi Pirandello began to experiment with new forms of theatrical expression. These playwrights sought to break away from the traditional conventions of theater, such as the well-made play, and to create works that were more experimental and challenging.

New Dramaturgy: International Perspectives on Theory and Practice

by Katalin Trencsényi

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1039 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	300 pages
Item Weight	:	1.98 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.55 x 2.44 x 8.03 inches

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In the United States, New Dramaturgy emerged as a distinct movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Playwrights such as Sam Shepard, Maria Irene Fornes, and Lanford Wilson began to write plays that were more open-ended and non-linear than traditional plays. These playwrights also worked closely with directors and actors to develop new ways of staging and performing their work.

Theory of New Dramaturgy

New Dramaturgy is based on the premise that theater is a collaborative process that involves all members of the creative team. The playwright, director, and actors work together to create a performance that is both meaningful and entertaining.

New Dramaturgy also emphasizes the importance of experimentation and innovation. Playwrights and directors are encouraged to break away from traditional conventions and to explore new forms of theatrical expression. This can lead to the creation of works that are unique and challenging.

Practice of New Dramaturgy

In practice, New Dramaturgy involves a variety of techniques and approaches. Some of the most common techniques include:

* Devising: Devising is a process in which the actors and director collaborate to create a performance without a script. The actors improvise and experiment with different ideas and scenes, and the director guides the process. * Textual analysis: Textual analysis is a process in which the director and actors analyze the playwright's text in order to develop a deeper understanding of the play's meaning and structure. This process can help the actors to create more informed and nuanced performances. * Collaboration: Collaboration is essential to New Dramaturgy. The playwright, director, and actors must work together as a team to create a successful performance. This involves sharing ideas, listening to feedback, and being open to compromise.

Case Studies

The following are a few case studies of New Dramaturgy in practice:

* The Wooster Group: The Wooster Group is a New York-based theater company that has been creating innovative and experimental work for over 40 years. The company's work is often characterized by its use of found text, improvisation, and multimedia. * Forced Entertainment: Forced Entertainment is a British theater company that creates work that is both challenging and entertaining. The company's work is often characterized by its use of humor, absurdity, and audience participation. * Gob Squad: Gob Squad is a German theater company that creates work that is often site-specific and interactive. The company's work is often characterized by its use of technology, movement, and sound.

New Dramaturgy is a vibrant and innovative approach to theater-making that is constantly evolving. This article has provided a brief overview of the history, theory, and practice of New Dramaturgy from an international perspective. By drawing on case studies from around the world, this article has shown how New Dramaturgy is being used to create exciting and challenging new work that is pushing the boundaries of theater.

New Dramaturgy: International Perspectives on Theory and Practice

by Katalin Trencsényi

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1039 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	300 pages
Item Weight	:	1.98 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.55 x 2.44 x 8.03 inches

FREE