“Is it theft if you steal it from yourself?” – artistic audits for mapping the development of new theatrical work from old influences.

Published

28-11-2016

Type of Work

Conference Presentation

Abstract

When investigating the process of developing new work, it is important to examine where ideas can come from to directly inform performative output. This paper details how three previous scripts written by a practitioner influenced the creation of a new work titled Lifeline. The aim of this paper is to show how ideas and concepts can evolve not just within a singular project, but through various iterations from the same creator––an examination of ‘self-sustainable’ conceptualisation. The mapping is undertaken through what Brad Haseman refers to as an Artistic Audit––the examination of previous work to provide contextualisation for a practitioner within their field, and to investigate the original source of concepts. This paper seeks to define this ‘self theft’ as a necessary element of the creative process, and provide an insider’s account of how such process can be examined. The plays chosen are Slumway (2010), Tick-Tock (2011), and Pistol(2011)––three projects that the writer has worked on prior to beginning the development of Lifeline. Following Haseman’s ‘Audit’ method, this paper provides a quick synopsis of each project, before detailing a theme or concept that is further evolved through practice and seen in Lifeline. By attempting to understand the constant evolution and modification of core issues and themes, the process of Audit provides creative practitioners insight into the importance of new work, and where it fits within the context of their field, as well as creating a better sense of an artist’s evolution and examination of concept.

Citation

Texler, N. (2016) "Is it theft if you steal it from yourself?": artistic audits for mapping the development of new theatrical work from old influences

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