Discover the Enigmatic World of Periodical Performance By Edward Gordon Craig

Edward Gordon Craig, a pioneer in theatre and stage design, was known for his unconventional approach to performances. One of his most influential contributions to contemporary theatre studies is the concept of periodical performance, which revolutionized the way performances were created and experienced.

The Essence of Periodical Performance

Periodical performance is an avant-garde approach that emphasizes the cyclical nature of theatre and explores the concept of "reperforming" rather than "recreating" a production. Craig believed that theatre is an ever-evolving art form, and performances should be revisited periodically to reflect new interpretations and contexts.

The Role of the Director

In periodical performance, the director plays a pivotal role in interpreting and reimagining a production. It requires a deep understanding of the original vision while embracing the freedom to experiment and challenge traditional approaches. The director becomes a curator, caretaker, and creator, bridging the gap between the past and the present.

The Mask: A Periodical Performance by Edward Gordon Craig (Contemporary Theatre Studies (Paperback) Book 30)

by Richard Taruskin(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Challenges and Rewards

Periodical performance presents its fair share of challenges. The director must balance innovation with respect for the original production, navigating the fine line between creativity and preservation. It requires a highly collaborative approach, involving the entire creative team and performers in the reimagining process.

However, the rewards of periodical performance are immeasurable. It allows for the discovery of new nuances, interpretations, and relevance within a production that may have been overlooked in previous iterations. By embracing the cyclical nature of theatre, the director and performers have the opportunity to breathe new life into a well-known piece, making it fresh and exciting for both themselves and the audience.

Contemporary Examples

Throughout the years, numerous contemporary theatre productions have adopted Edward Gordon Craig's concept of periodical performance. One notable example is the reimagining of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" by a renowned theatre company.

The director approached the play as a living organism, constantly evolving and responding to societal shifts. By incorporating modern staging techniques, alternative perspectives, and multimedia elements, the production brought a fresh perspective to this classic tragedy while honoring its timeless themes.

The Future of Periodical Performance

With the advancement of technology and the ever-changing landscape of theatre, the future of periodical performance holds infinite possibilities. Virtual reality, interactive elements, and immersive experiences can reshape how performances are revisited and experienced.

As theatre continually evolves, directors and performers can use periodical performance as a tool for innovation and exploration. By embracing this concept, they can unlock new avenues of creativity, challenging traditional notions of theatricality and redefining the relationship between the stage and the audience.

Periodical performance provides a platform for artists to continually reinvent, reimagine, and reinterpret the classics, ensuring their relevance in the modern world. It allows the audience to engage with familiar stories and characters from a fresh perspective, fostering a renewed appreciation for the richness and depth of theatrical performances.

Edward Gordon Craig's concept of periodical performance has made a lasting impact on contemporary theatre studies. It challenges the traditional notion of productions as static entities and encourages an ongoing dialogue between past and present.

As theatre continues to evolve, periodical performance serves as a reminder that every production is part of a larger conversation, constantly unfolding and reinventing itself. By embracing this concept, directors and performers can breathe new life into classic works and explore uncharted territories within the ever-evolving world of theatre.

The Mask: A Periodical Performance by Edward Gordon Craig (Contemporary Theatre Studies (Paperback) Book 30)

by Richard Taruskin(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2994 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	220 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

No study of modern theater is complete without a thorough understanding of the enormous influence of visionary genius Edward Gordon Craig. Born in England in 1872, Craig went on to become famous world-wide as an actor, manager, director, playwright, designer, and most importantly an author and theorist, whose books were translated into German, Russian, Japanese, Dutch, Hungarian, and Danish.
Although an essential parallel to the European avant-garde, Craig was often read as "exceptional" and highly innovative in his native Britain, thus, The Mask not only appears as Craig's main cosmopolitan project but also at times functions as a surrogate stage for his experiments in theater practice.
The book has a comprehensive chronology, extensive notes and a bibliography making it an essential text for undergraduates, postgraduates, actors, theatre professionals, designers, directors, researchers and writers in the fields of theatre studies (especially theater set and lighting) and theater history.