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Dramaturgy refers to research into a play to inform an interpretation of it. This includes research into:
the contexts of the play
theatre styles of the play
the background of the playwright
previous productions of the play
Dramaturgy is part of the production process and can be applied at any stage of the production process and in any production role.
Two examples of dramaturgical techniques are:
Text-based (research from books, internet, magazines, images)
Workshops (practical activities in class to explore character, contexts, intended meanings, theatre style, techniques)
You will be given different dramaturgical tasks to complete throughout the production process. Make sure you keep evidence of all the dramaturgy you undertake as this will form part of your assessment.
DRAMATURGY DURING
PRODUCTION PLANNING
Text-based research during the planning stage includes:
Undertaking a Script Analysis and Extraction
Compiling a Glossary
Creating a Character Profile
Creating collages reflecting the Theatre Styles, Intended Meanings, and Contexts (T.I.C)
Workshops may include:
Initial Characterisation Activities
Exploring Theatrical Style and Conventions
SCRIPT ANALYSIS
A script analysis is a process theatre makers use to develop a deeper understanding of the characters and intended meanings within a playscript.The process may be slightly different depending on your role in the production team, ie: an actor will be gathering information surrounding character and his/her circumstances; a designer will be collecting information which will help their initial design such as changes in location, time, seasons.
Analysing a script can requires reading the script several times for different purposes. For example:
first reading jot down gut reaction to the play
second reading, note the play’s structure and style, mood and tone, and the story’s ambiguities and complexities.
third reading make a list of topics to research (time, place and cultural contexts)
For actors, it is important to identify any facts included by the playwright about a character. This includes the literal situations/ events that characters find themselves in, as well as information about the character themselves, such as family, friends, appearance, personality, occupation, hobbies, beliefs, etc. These facts that are provided in the script are called the given circumstances.
TEXT GLOSSARY
A text glossary is a list of words from the play that you don’t understand. For example: foreign phrases that require definition and/or pronunciation clarification; references and allusions that need to be explained (such as mythological, literary, historical, biblical, music, and pop culture references); unique social customs that require elaboration; and titles and character names that need to be analysed.
CHARACTER PROFILE
A character profile is a record of everything you know about your character, from their origins and backstory to their personality traits and physical appearance. You can also note their relationships, daily routines, hopes, fears, and motivations.
Although you will begin creating a character profile in the planning stage, like dramaturgy, it is an ongoing process as you will discover more about your character as you unpack the play.
CONTEXT INVESTIGATION TABLE
A context investigation table is a useful way to compile information about CONTEXTS you discover during your script analysis.
Still confused? Watch the clips below where an actual Dramaturg talks about all thing Dramaturgy.
Dramaturgy is EVERYTHING!
A Dramaturg is also Production Role in itself.
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