The Fascinating Political History of Ensemble Theatre Making: From Rebellion to Transformation

Over the centuries, theatre has proven to be a powerful medium for reflecting and commenting on the political landscape of societies.

The Birth of Ensemble Theatre Making

In the realm of theatre, ensemble refers to a collective of actors, designers, directors, and writers who collaborate to create performances without a traditional hierarchical structure. This powerful method of storytelling emerged as a response to the political climate of its time.

Ensemble theatre making can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the concept of democracy was born. In Athens, the birthplace of democracy, citizens participated directly in the decision-making process, which greatly influenced the evolution of theatre. Plays were performed during festivals where the entire community would gather to watch and engage with the political themes being presented on stage. The individuals involved in these performances worked collectively, allowing for a diverse range of perspectives to be incorporated.

Theatre Studios: A Political History of Ensemble Theatre-Making

by Tom Cornford(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

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The Influence of Political Movements

Fast-forwarding to the 20th century, political movements had a significant impact on ensemble theatre making. During times of social unrest, artists took on the responsibility of challenging the status quo and advocating for change through their performances.

An important example is the rise of ensemble theatre during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. African-American actors and playwrights formed collectives to highlight racial injustices and raise awareness of the ongoing struggle for equality. These ensembles not only provided a platform for underrepresented voices but also allowed for a collaborative exploration of the issues affecting their communities.

Similarly, ensemble theatre played a vital role in opposing totalitarian regimes in Eastern Europe during the Cold War. Activist theatre groups emerged, utilizing the power of collective storytelling to expose political oppression and advocate for freedom of expression. The physical and artistic engagement offered by ensembles became a powerful tool for resisting censorship and promoting democratic values.

Transformation and Social Change

Ensemble theatre making has continued to evolve, adapting to the changing political landscapes around the world. One notable example is the Theatre of the Oppressed developed by Brazilian theatre practitioner Augusto Boal. Boal's methodology aimed to empower marginalized communities by encouraging them to actively participate in the creation and performance of plays that addressed social and political issues affecting their lives.

In recent years, ensemble theatre has also gained prominence as a means of amplifying voices from historically marginalized groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community, indigenous peoples, and immigrants, providing a platform for their stories to be shared and celebrated. It has become a tool for confronting societal biases and challenging traditional power structures.

Ensemble Theatre Making in Modern Politics

The impact of ensemble theatre making can also be observed within the realm of contemporary politics. Political theatre performances have been used to shed light on current political issues such as climate change, immigration policies, and gender equality. These performances not only foster dialogue but also inspire action among audience members who witness the collective power of storytelling.

The use of ensemble theatre is particularly relevant in the digital age, where social media and technology have transformed the ways in which stories are shared and consumed. Ensemble theatre can counter the impersonal nature of digital communication by creating live, immersive experiences where audiences can actively engage with the performers and the political issues being explored.

From its early origins in ancient Greece to its modern transformation, ensemble theatre making has proven to be a powerful vehicle for political expression and social change. It has allowed marginalized communities to reclaim their narratives, challenge oppressive systems, and inspire collective action. By fostering collaboration and embracing diverse perspectives, ensemble theatre continues to offer a unique platform for addressing the pressing political issues of our time.

Theatre Studios: A Political History of Ensemble Theatre-Making

by Tom Cornford(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8657 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	358 pages

FREE

Theatre Studios explores the history of the studio model in England, first established by Konstantin Stanislavsky, Jacques Copeau and others in the early twentieth century, and later developed in the UK primarily by Michel Saint-Denis, George Devine, Michael Chekhov and Joan Littlewood, whose studios are the focus of this study.

Cornford offers in-depth accounts of the radical, collective work of these leading theatre companies of the mid-twentieth century, considering the models of ensemble theatre-making that they developed and their remnants in the newly publicly-funded UK theatre establishment of the 1960s. In the process, this book develops an approach to understanding the politics of artistic practices rooted in the work of John Dewey, Antonio Gramsci and the standpoint feminists. It concludes by considering the legacy of the studio movement for twenty-first-century theatre, partly by tracking its echoes in the work of Secret Theatre at the Lyric, Hammersmith (2013–2015).

Students and makers of theatre alike will find in this book a provocative and illuminating analysis of the politics of performance-making and a history of the theatre as a site for developing counterhegemonic, radically democratic, anti-individualist forms of cultural production.