35 Facts About Devising

The Origin of Devising

Devising is a collaborative method of creating theater. It involves a group of people working together to develop a performance from scratch. This method is different from traditional theater, where a script is written first and then performed.

1. 01Devising began in the 20th century as a way to break away from traditional theater structures.
2. 02It was influenced by the avant-garde movements, which emphasized experimentation and breaking norms.
3. 03The term "devising" comes from the idea of "devising" or "creating" something new.
4. 04Early devising groups often focused on political and social issues, using theater as a form of activism.

The Process of Devising

The process of devising can vary greatly depending on the group and the project. However, there are some common steps that many devising groups follow.

5. 05Devising often begins with a brainstorming session, where the group discusses ideas and themes they want to explore.
6. 06Improvisation is a key part of devising, allowing actors to experiment with different characters and scenarios.
7. 07The group may use various stimuli, such as music, images, or texts, to inspire their work.
8. 08Collaboration is essential in devising, with all members contributing to the creation of the performance.
9. 09The process is often iterative, with the group continually refining and revising their work.

The Role of the Director in Devising

In traditional theater, the director has a clear, authoritative role. In devising, the director's role can be quite different.

10. 10The director in a devising process often acts more as a facilitator than an authority figure.
11. 11They help guide the group's discussions and improvisations, ensuring that everyone has a voice.
12. 12The director may also help shape the final performance, but they do so in collaboration with the group.
13. 13Some devising groups work without a director, relying on collective decision-making.

Benefits of Devising

Devising offers several benefits that make it an appealing method for creating theater.

14. 14It allows for greater creativity and experimentation, as there are no predetermined scripts or structures.
15. 15Devising can be more inclusive, giving all participants a chance to contribute to the creation process.
16. 16It can lead to more original and unique performances, as the work is created specifically by and for the group.
17. 17Devising can also be a powerful tool for exploring social and political issues, as it allows for a more flexible and responsive approach.

Challenges of Devising

While devising has many benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges.

18. 18The lack of a predetermined script can make the process more time-consuming and unpredictable.
19. 19Collaboration can be difficult, especially if there are strong personalities or conflicting ideas within the group.
20. 20Devising requires a high level of trust and communication among participants.
21. 21The iterative nature of the process can be frustrating, as it often involves a lot of trial and error.

Famous Devising Groups

Several theater groups have become well-known for their work in devising.

22. 22The Wooster Group, based in New York, is known for their innovative and experimental performances.
23. 23Complicité, a British theater company, has gained international acclaim for their devised work.
24. 24The Living Theatre, one of the oldest experimental theater groups in the United States, has a long history of devising performances.
25. 25Forced Entertainment, a British theater company, is known for their collaborative and often provocative devised work.

Devising in Education

Devising is also used as a teaching tool in educational settings.

26. 26It encourages students to think creatively and work collaboratively.
27. 27Devising can help students develop important skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
28. 28It allows students to explore and express their own ideas and perspectives.
29. 29Devising can be used to address a wide range of topics and themes, making it a versatile teaching method.

Devising in Community Theater

Community theater groups often use devising as a way to engage and involve local communities.

30. 30It allows community members to share their own stories and experiences.
31. 31Devising can help build a sense of community and belonging.
32. 32It can be a powerful tool for social change, giving a voice to marginalized or underrepresented groups.
33. 33Community devising projects often focus on local issues and concerns, making the work relevant and meaningful to the participants.

The Future of Devising

As theater continues to evolve, devising is likely to play an increasingly important role.

34. 34The rise of digital technology offers new possibilities for devising, such as virtual collaboration and multimedia performances.
35. 35Devising can help theater adapt to changing social and cultural landscapes, allowing for more diverse and inclusive storytelling.

Final Thoughts on Devising

Devising is a creative process that brings together various elements of theater. It’s all about collaboration, innovation, and spontaneity. From its roots in the 20th century to its modern-day applications, devising has transformed how stories are told on stage. It allows actors, directors, and writers to break free from traditional scripts and explore new narratives. This method not only fosters creativity but also builds strong teamwork among participants. Whether you’re a seasoned theater professional or a newcomer, devising offers a fresh, dynamic way to create compelling performances. So next time you’re looking to shake things up in your theater production, consider giving devising a try. It might just lead to your most memorable show yet.