The Process of Devising The process of devising enables a group of performers to be physically & practically creative in the sharing, shaping & development of an original product that includes ideas of an individual’s contradictory experiences of the world. There is a freedom of possibilities for everyone involved to discover with an emphasis on a way of working that supports: Intuition Spontaneity An accumulation of ideas Devising is about: Process – finding ways & means to share an artistic journey Collaboration- working with others Multi-vision – integrating various views, beliefs & life experiences Creation of an artistic product – a performance How does devised theatre differ from traditional theatre? Traditional Theatre Devised Theatre We need to look at ways to distinguish a difference or contrast to how devised theatre is different from traditional theatre. Ask yourself some questions & jot down what you think the differences are in the table above. Remember that you are beginning by understanding what identifies devised theatre. How & Where to Start Devising Group Stimulus Exploration of ideas Process & Development Finished Product Reflection & understanding Members of a group beginning to devise must be Open to each other building trust & honesty Diplomatic! Sensitive to each other & supportive Prepared to invest if the group is to communicate effectively Respectful & trustworthy Critical in a constructive way Explore new directions Flexible Compromising Early Stages It is important in the early stages for a group to explore & experiment with a range of stimuli to understand how the group operates in different situations. Group practical work & ‘getting to know each other’ exercises are vital to that exploration. They should include exercises in the following which are required for group development Communication Concentration Trust Sensitivity Movement Voice Improvisation Knowing, using & reflecting the strengths of people in the group are vital to devising Disagreement is a healthy way to select, clarify & simplify choice of materials & methods of procedure The problems arise when you don’t have any disagreements! Just make sure you resolve them in a mature & sensitive way Every group has a right to learn from mistakes. Devising is a craft which is learnt ‘on the job.’ All groups are different as are all personalities so this changes the group dynamics & impetus of the work. Working together becomes difficult when individuals conflict with each other, but this is also an important part of establishing a collective group identity. Ultimately it is about the group discovering & working through a relationship between itself & the product (the performance) it produces. You will be offered the opportunity & challenge in this unit of creating & developing work from an initial brief, against traditional expectations or stereotyping.
