Analysis: What I've learned about Invisible Theatre so far other than the textbook definition? It's hard to plan! The social issue that I plan to portray is the patriarchal culture that still exists in the 21st century workplace. What I want to do in my performance is point out the discrepancies between a male and female's work and the way they are each treated in the workplace. Ms. Ashley tells us that she definitely feels some inequalities even at Granada, as a female teacher. We've pretty much overcome the big rights issues for women in such a developed country, but the patriarchal problems of the workplace today are much more subtle.
I've been trying to brainstorm some ideas but so far, I'm lost on how I can portray such subtle differences. Maybe I need a change of setting or change in the main action portrayed. I really feel as if this topic speaks to me; theatre of any sort is interesting and fascinating but I haven't connected to a type of theatre so personally in the others types of theatre. The way that Boal uses theatre to reveal these issues is so clever to me and I think, one of the best ways the public can be informed.
I need to work out how I can make such an emphatic impact and really drill into the spectators' minds that females. Thinking about it, the best idea I have right now is a restaurant scene where my "manager" and I are having a meal. We start talking about work and I come up with a list of complaints I have of how I'm earning less, doing only menial position jobs, and how I get less credit that the male workers. I think this is such a crucial issue to reveal about modern, developed society. We think that this nation is so developed and progressive, but there are blatant flaws that still need to be righted: such as women's equality in the workforce.
To get ideas on my performance, I've been reading examples of performances Boal put on and workshops he did and they have completely opened my eyes to the power of action and dynamic to make a change. I've read accounts where spectators of invisible theatre separate, having formed distinct opinions on a subject matter due to the manner in which it was portrayed. It's amazing how powerful invisible theatre can be and it all lies in the hands of not only the director but also the actors and the spectators who react.
Reflection: It's been so difficult trying to start this process! I'm really excited about my IPP and performance but I'm still weaker in some aspects of theatre that I need to brush up on before I do the actual thing. The thing is, improv is daunting. It's different than when I would do improv in class because I know this performance will have a real effect on real people.
It's the first time I'm planning something like this and it's a risk I'm taking. I was worried that I might not succeed in the performance but I talked to Ms. Ashley and the thing is, even if the performance were to fail, that is a result I can write about in my IPP. If I do succeed, it'd be so cool to directly see the effects of the performance, to analyze the reactions of the spectators. Most importantly though, I would succeed in informing the public about this issue and accomplish the goal of raising awareness and a mind for social justice. The social change that I want to make would come true and this work of theatre would be my first work of activism. If I don't succeed, it'll be a great learning experience for me. I want to lead a life of activism later in my life and invisible theatre may be a channel to do so.
Regardless of whether I succeed or not, I'd come out of the experience with many learning outcomes. And I think the fact that this is a real life application would allow room for growth, as an actor and as a student of the world.
