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Dramaturgy is a proven value in contemporary circus, and is particularly widely used. Working with a dramaturg has indeed become a necessity for circus to renew itself and continue to attract the public. The emergence of authors and new forms of writing has contributed to the recognition of contemporary circus. The word “dramaturgy” is increasingly being deployed within the circus universe. Let’s see what this entails.
Dramaturgy in Contemporary Circus
The development of dramaturgy in contemporary circus participates in the movement of legitimization and institutionalization. This trend involves identifying a unique syntax. This term is not, moreover, a way to annex circus to theater. In fact, it corresponds to highlighting the specificity of circus in relation to theater, but also in relation to traditional circus. The characteristics of contemporary circus emphasize compositional characteristics.
First, let us return to what dramaturgy is. It is the art of transforming a story, whether true or born from an author’s imagination, into a constructed narrative. Originally used in theater and literature, this art has also appeared to create circus shows. This requires identifying a unique syntax (the story of the show), but also the development of a specific repertoire, elements necessary for the recognition process. Performances observe a transition from technique to art, from the performance of play to the play of prowess. Dramaturgy (just like writing and repertoire) is then an element of a strategy for legitimizing contemporary circus. Circus can then rise into the major trilogy composed of theater, dance, and opera.
With dramaturgy, the circus is transformed. We set aside the eccentric aspect of acts that follow one another without specific connection in favor of a constructed and global story.
This dramaturgy enhances circus heritage by maintaining a precise story, which was not the custom in this field where traditions were primarily oral. Traditional circus was above all a living art linked to the ephemeral.
Dramaturgy involves writing. This includes various elements such as scenography, text, music, bodies, objects, lights, and apparatus. In the field of circus, writing is therefore no longer solely alphabetical.
The Dramaturgy of the Circus
This dramaturgy corresponds to identifying the specificities of a discipline. It allows for the emergence of a story, a form, and characters. Circus is therefore not a subcategory of theater, but indeed an independent and very rich universe. The dramaturgy of contemporary circus is plural.
We thus find a dramaturgy of the act, the basic unit of the circus. The act is primarily separated from all other acts. The spectator may then have the impression of observing a catalog of the artists’ prowess. These acts remain independent. Without dramaturgy, fragmentation is inevitable.
The dramaturgy of virtuosity, for its part, relates to traditional circus. It relies on a progression toward virtuosity and feats. We then capitalize on suspense and attention. The artist will know what the spectators are thinking based on their reactions.
Another type of dramaturgy: dramaturgy tested by facts and matter. This corresponds to the arrangement imposed by sequences of movements and materials. Apparatus thus determines a specific dramaturgy that opens up other spaces. The apparatus can also become a set piece.
Being able to give meaning to a sequence of figures concerns fictional dramaturgy. It involves placing acts within a narrative thread, which obviously brings theater to mind. The performer then fades behind the work.
Another form, compositional dramaturgy is perceptible in the progression of the show. This dramaturgy refers to the way different states have achieved meaning. Each element interpenetrates.
The dramaturgy of the circus can therefore be defined as elements that weave the show together and allow the components of the show to intertwine—elements that correspond to arrangement, a precise story (apparatus, codified objects, virtuosity), and elements from other fields like dance.
Contemporary Circus Will Fascinate You
Today, dramaturgy has widely invited itself into the field of contemporary circus. If you wish to discover a high-quality show, well-written and well-executed, why not contact an artistic company?
Eklabul indeed offers you many particularly fascinating shows. Whether it is a return to the tales of the Odyssey or to the 1900s, whether it is a story of pirates or Christmas, our circus artist troupe will know how to transport you into a unique universe. You will follow the story and be dazzled by the circus acts (acrobatics, juggling…).
You are a municipality, a company, or an individual and wish to highlight a particular event (wedding, birthday, or even a product launch, celebration of a specific episode), you can contact Eklable. We are located near Cannes and operate in the Côte d’Azur and surrounding areas to offer you high-quality stories combining a touch of theater, dance, and circus.