Terrains/Théories (Dec 2017)

« Faire public au théâtre aujourd’hui »

  • Dominique Pasquier

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4000/teth.973
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

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How to perform as a public in a theater ? This article, based on interviews with 80 spectators, analyzes their relationship to actors and other spectators during the shows. There is a consensus on respect for the work of the actor and an overall acceptance of the standards of behavior expected in a theater. Nevertheless, negative reactions to a show can give some spectators physical manifestations of disengagement from the situation, sometimes uncontrollable, sometimes voluntary. We can distinguish between deviations from the rule that are perceived as a breakdown of the interaction and those that are considered acceptable because they are part of "backstage" practices, in the Goffmanian sense of this term. Making public in a theater is therefore the result of a set of compromises to maintain a fragile interactional situation.

Keywords