Aural/Oral Dramaturgies: Theatre in the Digital Age

Aural/Oral Dramaturgies: Theatre in the Digital Age explores the 'aural turn' in contemporary theatre, highlighting trends such as 'post-verbatim theatre, amplified storytelling, and 'gig theatre' that incorporate live music performance. It argues that these works contribute to an understanding of theatre as an extra-literary activity, emphasizing the interplay between text and performance. The book includes case studies and a curated collection of digital resources, making it a valuable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners of contemporary performance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Theatre in the Digital Age: Aural/Oral Dramaturgies explores the profound shift towards 'aural' practices in contemporary theatre-making, delving into a multitude of seemingly disparate trends that emphasize speech and sound. These trends include 'post-verbatim theatre,' which employs microphones and headphones to enhance storytelling, and 'gig theatre,' which incorporates live music performances into the theatrical experience. At its core, the book argues that the dramaturgical foundations of these works contribute to a reimagining of theatre as an extra-literary activity, surpassing the traditional emphasis on the script. This unique perspective is often expressed through the corporeality of dance and physical theatre, yet the aural/oral turn offers an alternative lens through which to examine the intricate interplay between text and performance. Through a series of case studies, the book showcases how various theatre companies engage with the dramaturgy of speech and sound in their artistic endeavors. Additionally, it is accompanied by a specially curated collection of digital resources, including interviews, conversations, and presentations from artists and academics, enriching the reader's understanding of this evolving field. This essential text serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners of contemporary performance, as well as anyone interested in exploring dramaturgies of orality and aurality within the dynamic landscape of todays performance environment.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367560744