MOMENT THEATRE

Theatre Topics Overview

  • Theatre Topics, Volume 26, Number 2, July 2016, features an interview with Tectonic Theater Project discussing their method known as Moment Work.

Moment Work: The Interview Context

  • Interviewees: Lisa S. Brenner, Moisés Kaufman, and Barbara Pitts

  • Focus: Exploration of Moment Work and its implications in devised theatre.

Definition of Devising

  • Current Understanding:

  • Devised theatre lacks a rigorous definition; often defined by what it is not (as opposed to traditional playwriting).

  • Moisés Kaufman advocates for clearer definitions to better understand devised work.

  • Devising involves creating theatrical narratives using stage elements.

Moment Work Explained

  • Moment Work as a concept:

  • Emphasizes writing performance instead of writing text.

  • Acknowledges that while traditional playwriting is valid, it should not be the only approach.

  • Core Idea: There are numerous methods to create plays and involve various collaborators in narrative construction.

The Tectonic Approach to Theatre

  • Exploration of New Narratives:

  • Tectonic Theater Project has spent 25 years questioning what constitutes the theatrical experience.

  • Barbara Pitts' project with Eastern Connecticut State focuses on a dance theatre piece that does not rely on text, demonstrating the versatility of Moment Work.

Innovations in Text and Performance

  • Textual Creation:

  • Moment Work allows for innovative uses of text within performances, which might include original narratives, existing texts, or purely physical storytelling.

  • Different processes within devised work allow playwrights to engage at various levels, delivering narratives that marry content and form effectively.

The Role of Collaborators

  • Diverse Participant Roles:

  • Greater inclusion of voices and talents in the creation process enhances the richness of the narrative.

  • Moment Work attracts individuals from various backgrounds, creating a more collaborative environment that honors each participant's talents.

The Rigor of the Moment Work Method

  • Training and Codification:

  • Moment Work requires rigorous exploration of theatrical concepts and a shared vocabulary among company members and collaborators.

  • Development of a manual to ensure consistent teaching and application of Moment Work.

Narrative Focus

  • Structuralist Perspective:

  • Moment Work is framed around creating narrative through all elements of theatre; actors are encouraged to generate "moments" that can be structured cohesively.

  • Challenges the tendency in traditional theatre to reduce narrative to mere text delivery.

Application of Moment Work

  • Flexibility of the Method:

  • Moment Work can apply to both new and existing texts, enhancing the interactive nature of storytelling.

  • The emphasis is on finding the theatrical language that translates personal and collective experiences effectively.

Reimagining Theatre's Role

  • Breaking Down Barriers:

  • The approach encourages finding multiple expressions for narratives, improving accessibility for diverse audiences.

  • The shared mission includes promoting inclusivity and broader representation in the stories told through theatre.

Overall Political Statement

  • Tectonic's Political Identity:

  • Commitment to exploring institutional subjects and utilizing theatre for social change is at the core of their philosophy.

  • The company integrates questions of identity and societal issues into their works, highlighting the importance of political engagement in the arts.