UC Santa Cruz

Unlike traditional, text-based theater, “devised” theater can be an alternative form of theater that emphasizes democracy within groups, movement-based techniques, and sometimes encourages politically driven works of live performance. Actors can become a part of generating material for the final product instead of portraying a prewritten role. Their voices, impulses, physicality, and sometimes their life experiences influence the show in a personal and reflective way. I use The Odyssey, directed by Professor Kimberly Jannarone at UCSC, as a case study of what the devising process can look like. I use my experience to highlight the ways a devised production has the flexibility to change in response to current events. Our devising process allowed the utilization of each actor to the best of their potential; letting individual talents dictate roles and contributions to the play (rather than immediate casting for specific roles). Devising’s open and democratic model helped us make political art in an encouraging rehearsal atmosphere where our diverse voices felt heard, in a time where political art is important and needed in America.