What is theatre capable of? Simon Stone at TEDxSydney

Summary

Theatrical director Simon Stone explores the fundamental elements of theatre in this engaging script. Starting with a bare stage, he demonstrates the transformative power of an actor's presence, lighting, and sound in creating a theatrical experience. Through a series of scenarios involving two characters, Ewan and Anita, Stone illustrates how context, audience size, and environmental factors influence the narrative and emotional impact of a performance. The script concludes with a humorous blackout, leaving the audience with a memorable theatrical moment.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The concept of 'empty space' is fundamental to theatre, as it sets the stage for transformation through design, movement, and language.
• 👣 The act of theatre begins with the simple interaction of a person walking across an empty space while being observed by others.
• 🌃 The emptiness of a theatre carries a sense of potential, suggesting that any narrative or event could take place within it.
• 🎨 The stage and auditorium are described as spaces that require human presence to give them meaning and life.
• 😔 There is a melancholic aspect to an empty theatre, reflecting its 'not yet being' state.
• 🤔 The script explores the genesis of a theatrical moment, questioning the first principles and capabilities of the art form.
• 🔦 Lighting plays a crucial role in theatre, as it can focus attention, create mood, and define the space in various ways.
• 🎭 The actor's presence and actions on stage, no matter how mundane, become significant when observed within the context of theatre.
• 👥 Interactions between characters, even simple ones, can be enriched by context, such as the presence of other people or the setting.
• 👥🔁 The script demonstrates how the same dialogue can be interpreted differently based on the characters' circumstances and the audience's perception.
• 🎶 Sound and music can significantly alter the atmosphere and emotional impact of a scene in theatre.
• 👥🗣 The volume and clarity of dialogue can be affected by the setting, such as a crowded place, and the audience's ability to hear and understand.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the script presented by Simon Stone?

The central theme of the script is the exploration of the concept of 'empty space' in theatre and how the simplest elements such as an actor and a stage can engage in an act of theatre.

Who is Simon Stone and what is his profession?

Simon Stone is a theatre director, and he is discussing the fundamental principles of theatre and the potential of an empty stage.

What does Peter Brook's statement about 'an empty space' signify in the context of theatre?

Peter Brook's statement signifies that the essence of theatre can be found in the most basic interaction between a performer and an observer, with the empty space serving as a canvas for theatrical creation.

How does the script illustrate the transformation of an empty stage into a space of theatre?

The script illustrates this transformation through various scenarios where an actor interacts with the stage, using lighting, positioning, and dialogue to create different theatrical moments.

What is the significance of the actor's breakfast dialogue in the script?

The actor's breakfast dialogue serves as a simple yet effective tool to demonstrate how mundane actions and speech can become part of a theatrical performance when presented on a stage.

How does the script use lighting to create different theatrical effects?

The script describes various lighting scenarios, such as lighting only the actor, the actor's face, or the actor's lips, to show how lighting can focus the audience's attention and set the mood for different scenes.

What role does the audience play in the script's depiction of theatre?

The audience is essential in the script's depiction of theatre, as their presence and observation of the actor's actions on the stage validate the act of theatre.

What is the purpose of the repeated conversation between Ewan and Anita in the script?

The repeated conversation between Ewan and Anita serves to highlight how context, lighting, sound, and the number of people on stage can dramatically alter the perception and impact of a theatrical interaction.

How does the script use humor to engage the audience?

The script uses humor through the unexpected and mundane details of the actor's breakfast, as well as through the various amusing scenarios that Ewan and Anita find themselves in during their conversation.

What is the effect of having 63 people on stage during the conversation between Ewan and Anita?

The presence of 63 people on stage during the conversation creates a sense of chaos and makes the dialogue barely audible, emphasizing the importance of scale and focus in theatrical performances.

How does the script suggest that the setting of a scene can influence its interpretation?

The script suggests that the setting of a scene, whether it's a party, a crowded place, or a talk with an audience, can greatly influence the interpretation and emotional impact of the performance.