Spectatorship and the Real in French Contemporary Theatre

The book explores how avant-garde directors in French theatre use frustration to generate an encounter with the real, manipulating audiences to experience a raw perception of materiality and physical bodies. This approach has led to their work being described as obscene, pretentious, demagogic, and provocative, leading to contradictory discourses between critics, researchers, and directors. The book examines how directors implement strategies on stage to trigger such experiences and develops critical and philosophical tools that help spectators extend their field of perception and better engage with these contemporary practices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the intricate world of avant-garde directors in French theatre, exploring their innovative techniques to provoke and engage audiences. By employing frustration as a catalyst, these directors create profound encounters with the real, challenging traditional notions of performance and spectatorship. Through a detailed examination of the work of Gisèle Vienne, Jan Lauwers, Rodrigo Garcia, Jan Fabre, and Romeo Castellucci, the book uncovers how these directors manipulate their audiences to perceive materiality and physical bodies in a raw and visceral manner. Set within narratives of mystery and the uncanny, these directors employ provocative strategies to challenge the boundaries of traditional theatre. Their work, often deemed obscene, pretentious, and demagogic, sparks intense debates and controversies among critics, researchers, and directors alike.

However, this unconventional approach also leads to a complex and nuanced understanding of spectatorship. It compels French audiences to question their preconceived notions and engage in critical dialogue. The book explores the strategies employed by these directors on stage to create these extraordinary experiences, while also assessing the ethical implications of their methods. It develops critical and philosophical tools that empower spectators to expand their field of perception and engage more deeply with these contemporary practices.

What is particularly fascinating about this book is its exploration of a paradox within the French theatre scene. While there is an active avant-garde movement, particularly in terms of spectator experience, there is also a strong rejection from audiences. This contradiction highlights the ongoing struggle between artistic innovation and audience reception, and the challenges faced by directors in navigating this complex terrain.

In conclusion, this thought-provoking book offers a deep dive into the world of avant-garde directors in French theatre, providing valuable insights into their creative processes and the impact they have on audiences. It challenges traditional notions of performance and spectatorship, fostering critical dialogue and expanding our understanding of the arts. Through its innovative approach and rigorous analysis, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary theatre and the power of artistic expression.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350300835