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Case Studies From the Field: Focus on Dramaturgy

Alec Hayes

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Published in Diversity Inclusion And Representation In Contemporary Dramaturgy: Case Studies From The Field (Focus On Dramaturgy)

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Dramaturgy is a field of study that focuses on the analysis and interpretation of theater and performance. Dramaturgs work with playwrights, directors, actors, and other theater artists to develop and produce new work, as well as to research and interpret existing works. Dramaturgy can be used to inform all aspects of theater production, from the selection of plays to the design of sets and costumes.

In this article, we will present a series of case studies from the field of dramaturgy. These case studies will explore the diverse methodologies and approaches used by dramaturgs to research, analyze, and interpret theater and performance. We will also discuss the benefits of using dramaturgy in the field of theater and performance.

Case Study 1: New Play Development

Diversity, Inclusion, and Representation in Contemporary Dramaturgy: Case Studies from the Field (Focus on Dramaturgy)

by Philippa Kelly

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Dramaturgs play a vital role in the development of new plays. They work with playwrights to develop ideas, provide feedback on drafts, and help to shape the play into a finished product. In this case study, we will explore the work of dramaturg Amy Boratko on the development of the new play "The Aliens" by Annie Baker.

Boratko worked with Baker throughout the development process, providing feedback on early drafts of the play and helping to shape the play's structure and characters. She also conducted research on the play's themes and helped to develop the play's production design.

The Aliens premiered in 2010 at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in New York City. The play was a critical and commercial success, and it was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Case Study 2: Devising

Devising is a process of creating theater that is not based on a pre-written script. Devising teams typically work together to develop a performance based on a particular theme or idea. Dramaturgs can play a variety of roles in the devising process, including providing research, facilitating group discussions, and helping to shape the performance's structure and content.

In this case study, we will explore the work of dramaturg David J. Zinn on the devising process for the performance "The Laramie Project" by Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project.

Zinn worked with the Tectonic Theater Project to develop The Laramie Project, which was based on the true story of the murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student in Laramie, Wyoming. Zinn conducted research on the case, interviewed people who were involved in the事件, and helped to shape the play's structure and content.

The Laramie Project premiered in 2000 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The play was a critical and commercial success, and it has been performed around the world.

Case Study 3: Community-Engaged Theater

Community-engaged theater is a form of theater that is created with and for a specific community. Dramaturgs can play a variety of roles in community-engaged theater, including facilitating community workshops, conducting research on the community, and helping to develop the performance's content and structure.

In this case study, we will explore the work of dramaturg Jill Dolan on the community-engaged theater project "The People's Republic of Stokesville" by the SITI Company.

Dolan worked with the SITI Company to develop The People's Republic of Stokesville, which was based on the history of a small town in North Carolina. Dolan conducted research on the town's history, interviewed local residents, and helped to shape the play's content and structure.

The People's Republic of Stokesville premiered in 2009 at the SITI Company's home theater in New York City. The play was a critical and commercial success, and it has been performed around the United States.

Case Study 4: Digital Performance

Digital performance is a form of theater that is created and performed using digital technologies. Dramaturgs can play a variety of roles in digital performance, including developing the performance's concept, designing the performance's interface, and helping to create the performance's content.

In this case study, we will explore the work of dramaturg Chris Salter on the digital performance "The Glass Ceiling" by the Gob Squad.

Salter worked with the Gob Squad to develop The Glass Ceiling, which was a performance about the experiences of women in the workplace. Salter helped to develop the performance's concept, designed the performance's interface, and helped to create the performance's content.

The Glass Ceiling premiered in 2011 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and it has been performed around the world.

Dramaturgy can be a valuable tool for theater and performance artists. Dramaturgs can provide research, analysis, and interpretation that can help artists to develop new work, devise new performances, engage with communities, and create digital performances.

Here are some of the benefits of using dramaturgy:

Dramaturgy can help artists to develop new work that is informed by research and analysis.
Dramaturgy can help artists to devise new performances that are innovative and engaging.
Dramaturgy can help artists to engage with communities in a meaningful way.
Dramaturgy can help artists to create digital performances that are accessible and engaging.

Dramaturgy is a field of study that is essential to the field of theater and performance. Dramaturgs play a vital role in the development of new work, the devising of new performances, the engagement of communities, and the creation of digital performances. Dramaturgy can help theater and performance artists to create work that is informed by research, analysis, and interpretation.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Representation in Contemporary Dramaturgy: Case Studies from the Field (Focus on Dramaturgy)

by Philippa Kelly

5 out of 5