Research for Production.This page will go over the different types of research that a dramaturg will often do for production, including historical and cultural research, critical analysis, production history, and creative research. For information on analyzing a play's form, go to Script Analysis. The page on Production Dramaturgy will go explain how this research can be applied during the creation process, both for traditional theatre productions and for collective or devised creations.
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Historical and Cultural Research
Critical Analysis Research
This section is an opportunity for the dramaturg to pull out some of the critical and historical analysis of the play that they believe will inform the production. This can either be based on the director’s vision or on the dramaturg’s analysis of the play thus far. It consists of a summary of the critical history that the dramaturg believes is important to be aware of and it also includes selected critical readings. Dramaturgs can also include critical history that opposes the director’s vision or the dramaturg’s interpretations as this is often a good way to strengthen the ideas already formed or modify them if the new critical information changes their perspective. If a summary of the critical history already exists, a dramaturg could simply write a brief of that history and then include select readings - so long as they cited their source! The key with the critical analysis is that the articles chosen are about the play, rather than a particular production - so they are informed by the script rather than a director's particular vision.
Production History
The production history changes depending on the type of play you are mounting. For example, for a Shakespeare play, a dramaturg would include only major productions throughout history, specifically looking for patterns of performances and productions that are very different than the rest. For a newer play, a dramaturg would include all of the performances. If a full production history already exists, a dramaturg could include that – rather than writing a new one (and again, citing their source!) – and would write a brief of the history (if necessary) pulling out what they think are important or interesting productions to note that would be relevant to the current production.
Creative Research
Creative research involves a dramaturg pulling images, music, poetry, short stories and any other creative and artistic sources that inspire their vision of the play. This will help directors, designers and even actors get into the play in a different way. Many theatre artists develop their inspiration from sights and sounds, so this is an important part of the process.