Facilitating narrative agency in experiential theatre

Breel, A (2022) 'Facilitating narrative agency in experiential theatre.' In: Lewis, W.W and Bartley, S, eds. Experiential theatres: praxis-based approaches to training 21st century theatre artists. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 74-79. ISBN 9781032036038

Text 15054.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 29 May 2024.

Abstract

This essay discusses the difference between agency of engagement, which is found in most experiential performance as the opportunity for the audience to choose their own journey, and narrative agency, as the ability to impact on (part of) the performance process, content, or outcome. It will explore the different ways in which narrative agency can be conducted for participants (from direct choices to creative agency), with a discussion of different facilitation approaches. Agency becomes meaningful for participants when they experience it – which is something artists and performers have limited control over. The essay will discuss this challenge and provide strategies to increase the possibility that participants will experience agency. It concludes with a practical exercise and questions for critical reflection for makers or performers – such as testing out any participatory strategy with audiences during development and carefully considering the reasons for using participation to ensure a meaningful audience experience.

Item Type:	Book Chapter or Section
Divisions:	Bath School of Music and Performing Arts Chancelry and Research Management
Date Deposited:	03 Nov 2022 17:33
Last Modified:	11 Dec 2023 17:47
URI / Page ID:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/15054

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