Invisible theatre

lnvisible theatre is public theatre which involves the general public as participants in the dramatic action without their knowing it. They become the spec-actors. There is little obvious theatrical context with an audience in Invisible Theatre. The idea is that an issue can be raised without advertising that this is a piece of theatre. It is important that the audience should remain unaware that they have seen an action. Invisible theatre is a way of using theatre to stimulate debate by getting the public to question issues in a public space. The audience can take up any position they wish on the issue. This type of theatre asks questions without dictating the answers.

Activity

In a group:

  • the actors find an issue that is of importance in their society

  • they create a small scenario of the issue that may provoke debate among the general public

  • they decide where and when this scenario should be played out

  • the scenario, in the main, will be in the style of realism with well developed characters

  • the scenario is rehearsed and polished, but has room for improvisation if needs be

  • craft a small script, rehearse and eventually perform to other students who are unaware that this is a performance.