Workshop theatre

Besides its traditional meaning as a place where construction and repair work is done, the term workshop is used in a range of ways in theatre. Related to the concepts of Experimental theatre and Laboratory theatre, though perhaps with less of the accent on "scientific research processes" implied by experimental and laboratory.

As a verb (“to workshop a play”, "workshopping")

Process of creating a performance by experimentation and improvisation.

As an adjective (“a workshop production”)

adjectivally (“a workshop production”, )

As a noun (e.g. Theatre Workshop ’71)

Used to refer to a company or venue where workshop processes (play development, experimentation and improvisation) take place. (e.g Theatre Workshop ’71, *** ). it is a concept introduced into the South African scene via the American avant garde movements of the 1960’s and 1970’s, but came to real prominence as an alternative creative form in the 1970-1980 struggle period among writers in English, gradully becoming the dominant form of play creation, really ousting the traditional playwright as dominant creative figure in the local industry. After 1994 this position has slipped a little. ****

Return to South African Theatre Terminology and Thematic Entries

Return to Main Page