theatressuch

Theatressuch is a neologism used in theatre studies to describe a contemporary aesthetic and practice that foregrounds reflexivity, fragmentary dramaturgy, and audience participation. Works labeled as theatressuch typically treat the act of staging itself as a subject, inviting viewers to reflect on how meaning is constructed rather than passively absorb a finished narrative.

Etymology and scope: The term appears to be a recent coinage and is not tied to a single national school. It blends "theatre" with a demonstrative or classificatory suffix, suggesting a category of performance rather than a fixed movement. In critical writing, theatressuch is used to name a cluster of practices rather than a canonical repertoire.

Characteristics: Common features include meta-theatrical cues that remind audiences they are watching a play; non-linear or fragmented storytelling; frequent use of site-specific or adaptive staging; direct or indirect audience participation; use of spoken text alongside performative action; and a focus on power structures, representation, and social context.

History and reception: The term has appeared in scholarly articles and program notes of experimental theatres since the early 2000s. Critics view it as a flexible umbrella rather than a precise theory, useful for analyzing performances that blur boundaries between script, performance, and audience involvement.

See also: Meta-theatre, participatory theatre, site-specific theatre, contemporary theatre theory.