Devised theatre is a process of creating a performance collaboratively. An ensemble comes together with a concept or a shared vocabulary and creates the work as a group. Frequently, the ensemble serves as production researchers, designers, and performers, rather than having more traditional set roles in a process.
What does the process of creating devised theatre look like and how does it differ from other types of theatre?
Many times, the ensemble will come together with an idea or point of inspiration, and then utilizing shared techniques, they experiment and move and improvise to create vignettes, which eventually get strung together, either in a narrative form or as moments for the audience to assign their own meaning to.
This differs greatly from traditional theatre, which entails a playwright writing the play and then giving it over to a director, who casts the play, hires designers, and works with a dramaturg to provide context for the audience and to maintain the playwright’s vision. This process can vary somewhat but essentially looks the same for most scripted productions. Whereas in devised theatre, roles overlap much more and the script is being created during the rehearsal process, rather than beforehand.
What are some examples of other devised theatre?
There are many companies around the world that create devised theatre. Some famous examples are - The Neofuturists, Tectonic Theater Project, Wooster Group, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, and more.
Why was this production chosen to be a part of The Magnetic Theatre’s 2022 Mainstage season?
Magnetic’s mission is to support original work, particularly from local writers. While this writing style might be different than most plays Magnetic chooses to produce, we think it’s worthwhile and valuable for local audiences to experience a style of theatre that’s very common in larger cities and in countries around the world. We’re very excited to be collaborating with Anam Cara and can’t wait to see how this production manifests.
Tell us a little bit about this production.
Obstructure is a term for happy accidents. It’s a celebration of the things we find when experimenting together - in performance and in our lives. It’s an exploration of love, grief, loss, growing, accepting change, and making peace with all of the different versions of ourselves.
The audience will be invited to participate and are an integral part of the show. This process is meant to blur the boundaries between audience and artists, to remind us all that art is life and vice versa. The show is funny, challenging, heartbreaking, and inspiring and hopes to inspire conversation amongst the community that attends.
Obstructure is showing at The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville, NC August 12-20, 2022. Grab your tickets here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=134506
