Lightwork: Texts on and from Collaborative Multimedia Theatre

This book collects performance texts from nine productions by the experimental theatre company Lightwork and one playtext from Lightworks precursor company Academy Productions,presented between 1997 and 2011. Lightwork specialized in collaboratively created and multimedia performance, experimenting with various forms and formats. The texts cover a range of forms and formats, including scripted plays, multimedia adaptations of classical myths, site-specific experiments, and verbatim witness testimony. The Lightwork aesthetic emphasizes human-scale stories, relationships, confrontations with the past, and matters of life or death. The twelve-year span covered by this work reflects a period in British performance practice when the interrelation of page and stage, process and production, text and 'non-text' were being radically rethought. The book includes short essays by established academics and theatre practitioners that reflect the collaborative nature of the company and the respect for the various disciplinary perspectives that make up a theatre company. It will be invaluable for those making, studying, or researching performance in the twenty-first century, and an essential resource for the rehearsal room.

Format: Hardback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2022
Publisher: Intellect Books

This comprehensive volume presents a collection of performance texts from nine productions by the renowned experimental theatre company Lightwork, along with one playtext from Lightworks' precursor company, Academy Productions. Spanning from 1997 to 2011, Lightwork's artistic vision was characterized by its commitment to collaborative creation and multimedia performance. The company also ventured into various performance forms that emerged at the turn of the twenty-first century, including verbatim and site-specific approaches. As a result, the texts encompassed a diverse range of forms and formats, encompassing scripted plays such as "Heres What I Did With My Body One Day" by Dan Rebellato and "Blavatsky" by Clare Bayley, multimedia adaptations of classical myths like "Back At You" (based on the story of Echo and Narcissus) and "Once I was Dead" (based on the story of Daedalus and Icarus), site-specific experiments such as "The Good Actor," which took place in various spaces across Hoxton Hall, a Victorian theatre in London's East End, and the incorporation of verbatim witness testimony from the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, War Crimes section, in "Sarajevo Story."

One of the defining characteristics of Lightwork's aesthetic is its ability to blend multimedia and scenographic experimentation seamlessly with the core elements of dramatic theatre. The shows presented here revolve around human-scale stories that explore relationships between lovers or family members, confrontations with the past (both personal and cultural), and grapple with matters of life or death. What lies at the heart of these performances is a profound exploration of the human experience, where characters are brought to life through powerful performances and compelling narratives.

The twelve-year span covered by this collection reflects a significant period in British performance practice when the boundaries between page and stage, process and production, text and "non-text" were blurred. Lightwork's innovative approach to performance challenged traditional conventions and pushed the boundaries of theatrical expression. By seamlessly integrating multimedia elements, scenography, and live action, the company created immersive and captivating experiences that resonated with audiences.

In conclusion, this volume offers a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Lightwork's artistic legacy. Through the presentation of performance texts from nine diverse productions and one playtext, it provides a deep understanding of the company's creative vision, experimentation, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of theatrical performance. Lightwork's work continues to inspire and influence contemporary theatre practitioners, reminding us of the power of artistic exploration and the potential for immersive storytelling to engage and connect with audiences on a profound level.

Weight: 734g
Dimension: 176 x 251 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789385014
Edition number: New ed