Contextualization

Theater is one of the oldest art forms of humanity, whose roots can be traced back to primitive societies, in magical-religious rituals. Over time, the theater evolved and embraced various forms of dramaturgy, which are the specific techniques and ways of creating plays.

Dramaturgy is not only about writing a text to be staged, but also about the way this text interacts with actors, directing, scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, and of course, with the audience. In contemporary theater, the boundaries of dramaturgy expand even further, being common the use of multiple languages and breaking traditional conventions.

Contemporary theater is a space of exploration and experimentation, constantly challenging our preconceived notions of "what theater is". Contemporary theater also stands out for its openness to diversity, not only of forms but also of voices. In a globalized world, theater has become a space where different cultures, perspectives, and experiences can meet and dialogue.

In Brazil, a rich and vibrant contemporary theater scene unfolds, with innovative artists exploring new ways of storytelling and engaging the audience. This project is an invitation to discover and explore this fascinating universe.

The study of forms of dramaturgy and contemporary theater is crucial not only to understand the theatrical phenomenon in its complexity, but also to develop valuable skills such as creativity, collaboration, empathy, effective communication, and critical thinking.

Practical Activity

Activity Title:

"Investigating and Recreating Contemporary Theater"

Project's Objective:

The aim of this project is to understand and experience the various forms of dramaturgy and the contemporary theater scene through investigation, creation, and performance.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be grouped into teams of 3 to 5 members. Each group should choose a specific form of dramaturgy or an aspect of contemporary theater to explore. This can range from the dramaturgy of the absurd, the epic, the symbolism, among others, or it can focus on breaking scenic conventions, the interaction with the audience, the use of new technologies, etc.

After deciding on their focus, each group should begin an in-depth research on the topic, consulting the suggested resources and other additional sources. The group should answer the following questions:

• What are the main characteristics of this form of dramaturgy or aspect of contemporary theater chosen?
• Who are the main authors, plays, and innovations associated with it?
• How does this form of dramaturgy or aspect of contemporary theater dialogue with the public and society?

After the research, each group should create a short play or performance (approximately 10 minutes) that exemplifies the form of dramaturgy or the aspect of contemporary theater studied. The group is free to decide the format, which can be a scene, a dramatic reading, an installation, etc.

The groups should also prepare a detailed report on the research and the creative process, addressing the questions formulated and describing the conception and execution of the play/performance.

Necessary Materials:

• Internet access for research
• Paper and pencil for notes
• Resources for creating the play/performance (may vary according to each group's proposal)

Detailed Step-by-Step to Carry Out the Activity:

1. Group formation and topic selection
2. In-depth research on the form of dramaturgy or the aspect of contemporary theater chosen
3. Group discussion to synthesize the research and develop the scenic proposal
4. Rehearsal and creation of the play/performance
5. Final presentation to the class
6. Writing of the report, which should include: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used.

Project Deliverables:

• Written report
• Play/performance to be presented to the class. Both must be faithful to the chosen concept and reflect the students' understanding of the subject. By combining the practical activity with the written component, students have the opportunity to explore the theme both theoretically and practically, solidifying their understanding and developing valuable skills.

In the written part, they should follow the suggested structure:

1. Introduction: Should contextualize the form of dramaturgy or the aspect of contemporary theater chosen, present its relevance and application in the real world, and the purpose of the investigation.
2. Development: Should present the research carried out, the sources consulted, the synthesis of the findings, and a detailed description of the play/performance created, including its conception, rehearsals, and final presentation.
3. Conclusions: Should resume the main points learned during the research and creation of the play/performance, the challenges encountered and how they were solved, how the project affected the students' understanding of the subject, and what skills they developed in the process.
4. Bibliography: Sources consulted during the research.