Theatre of the Unexpected: When the Spectator Becomes Actor

Abstract

Improvisation has held an important place in the world of interactive theatrical expression for almost fifty years now. Situated halfway between theatrical performance and party game, this form of dramatic expression is considered by many as almost-theatre. It involves protagonists who interpret their roles in a highly interactive activity that fluctuates between reality and fiction. In keeping with Augusto Boal's seminal theatrical model, a spontaneous process emerges that blurs the distinction between actor and spectator as they become true participants in a game. From Artaud to Caillois, we can retrace the genesis of a spontaneous hybrid form of game. Presented in Montreal in 2009, the spectacle Open House will be used as a subject of study and analysis to conduct thorough research on this activity. This article will put into perspective the notions of games and player/actors using a form of theatrical activity that we can define as “Theatre of the Unexpected.”