dramaturgies

Dramaturgy is the theory and practice of dramatic composition and theatrical presentation. The plural dramaturgies is used to refer to the diverse range of approaches, methods, and theoretical frameworks through which works are analyzed, developed, and staged. In practice, a dramaturg collaborates with directors, authors, designers, and performers to shape a production’s conception, structure, and interpretation.

Core activities include research on historical context, social or political background, and texts; analysis of the script's structure, themes, and character relationships; editing or adapting scripts and creating new versions; developing the production concept and its dramaturgical questions; preparing program notes, audience guides, and material for rehearsal; and facilitating communication between creative teams and audiences. A dramaturg may also help select repertoire, facilitate discussions of interpretation, and organize context-based materials for audiences.

Historically, the role emerged in the German theatre in the late 18th century, with the term dramaturg referring to a staff position that prepared dramatic material and commentary. Over time, dramaturgy evolved into a central practice in modern theatre, opera, and dance, with dramaturges working on both classical repertoires and new, devised works. The concept of dramaturgies has diversified, encompassing several strands: literary dramaturgy focusing on the text; production or contextual dramaturgy emphasizing the relationship of performance to its context; documentary or archival dramaturgy using real-world materials; devising dramaturgy aiding collaboratively created performances; and site-specific, postdramatic, or intercultural dramaturgies that challenge conventional script-based forms.