Issues and conventions

Below is a list of contemporary Australian theatre conventions. It is not meant to be exhaustive or prescriptive. You can add to, refine or change this list depending on your study of the play Life Without Me. Not all of these are written into Keene's script. In fact, many of them will only become apparent when the play is performed on stage. Read through them and see how many you can recognise or imagine in a performance of Keene's play or another play you've studied for Topic 2: Contemporary Australian Theatre Practice (NESA, 2023).

• Non-linear, episodic structure – crafting narratives that unfold in a non-chronological order, allowing for fragmented storytelling and diverse perspectives.

• Mimicry, appropriate or parody of modern storytelling devices or narrative features – playfully imitating and satirising recognisable storytelling and narrative elements, often to comment on contemporary issues or ideas. This could include devices from popular culture, such as 'memes' or language only used in digital subcultures.

  • • Storytelling devices or narrative features might draw on Australian (multi)cultural content unique to our social, cultural, political and personal contexts. This might include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander theatre makers and practitioners drawing on Culture and Content, with permission and where appropriate.

• Stylised contemporary movement – incorporating movement influenced by dance and theatre practitioners like Laban and Meyerhold to convey character emotions and themes.

• Monologue and direct address – using monologue and direct engagement with the audience to explore character inner thoughts and engage viewers in responses to cultural, social, political and personal ideas and concerns.

• Voiceover and musical score – employing voiceovers and music to enhance emotional engagement, create atmosphere, and underscore key moments within the performance.

• Cinematic techniques – experimenting with cinematic devices like video projection and exploring the stage's frame to create visually dynamic and immersive experiences, as well to reframe character (and audience) perspective.

• Transformational acting – utilising props and physicality to transform characters and settings within the performance, often in symbolic or metaphorical ways.

• Minimalist and symbolic set design – employing minimalistic and abstract set designs that encourage audience imagination and focus on essential elements.

  • • The shape and features of performance spaces will often reflect Australian performance contexts including the theatres that develop Australian contemporary work, like The Stables at Griffin Theatre Company or downstairs at Belvoir St Theatre, both in Sydney on Gadigal lands of the Eora Nation.

• Performance technologies – integrating a blend of lighting, sound, and projection to enhance storytelling and create immersive theatrical experiences.

• Realist acting style in non-naturalistic settings – presenting characters with authentic emotions and behaviours within settings that defy realism, creating contrasts that emphasise the story's themes and messages.

Learning intention

To integrate and develop your understanding of the issues and concerns presented in Life Without Me by workshopping selected scenes and including contemporary Australian theatre conventions through class discussion and written reflection.

Instructions

• In a group of 3 to 4, select a scene from Life Without Me that you think can be developed into a performance using 1 or 2 contemporary Australian theatre conventions. Consider the list of contemporary Australian theatre conventions above when you are selecting your scene. The performance should be 2 to 3 minutes long. Note: you might want to coordinate with the rest of the groups in the class so that you choose a variety of scenes and conventions to develop and share.

• Analyse the scene you've chosen and identify the conventions that you could develop. Make notes on how these conventions might manifest or be incorporated into the scene.

• Working collaboratively, devise a performance of the chosen scene. Pay close attention to how you can enhance or emphasise the conventions you identified using the elements of drama (such as character, tension, space, time, and focus) and production (such as multimedia, costume and lighting). Think about character portrayals, settings, and interactions that can bring these conventions to life.

• Dedicate time to rehearse your scene, ensuring that the conventions and issues and concerns of the play are effectively conveyed to the audience. Pay attention to timing, pacing, and the emotional depth of your performance.

• Each group will present their devised scene to the class. As you watch the other groups, take notes on how they incorporated conventions.

• After each performance, discuss the conventions and the elements creating them.

Reflection

After all groups have performed, take a moment to reflect on the activity and your learning. Record this reflection in your study notes. 

• What contemporary Australian theatre conventions did you identify in your chosen scene, and how did you incorporate them into your performance?

• How did the elements of drama contribute to the portrayal of your scene?

• Which elements of production were most effective in enhancing your engagement with the scene?

• In what ways did your understanding of the (cultural, social, political and personal) issues or concerns of the scene/play deepen through the use of the conventions?

You might wish to turn these reflection questions in to study notes in your study table. Refer to the 'Study notes' page for more information.