Hybrid Theatre: Performing Techniques in the Efforts to Preserve the Art of Theatre Performance Post Covid19

Abstract

The pandemic of COVID19 and the Movement Control Order (MCO) has opened up the minds of local theatre players to be more creative in applying the suitable medium in showcasing their creative performances. Thus, emerged various forms of virtual theatre known as `online theatre’. No one ever imagined that theatre performances would be performed online but now, it is a practical approach in ensuring the sustainability of the theatre art itself. However, various questions arose about online theatre in Malaysia, such as confusion with the understanding of the terms, forms, and concepts of the performance. This study and writing are based on the online theatre performance ~Sel Akhir’ by the Seni Ceritera Association and King Lear by the KL Shakespeare Players (KLSP). Based on Aristotle's Dramatic Elements approach, the authors used observation and comparison methods to explain the approach used by these two presentations and propose to our Malaysian theatre players a method of online performance that suits the current capabilities and requirements, known as hybrid theatre.

Drama/Theatre Performance in Education through the Use of Digital Technologies for Enhancing Students’ Sustainability Awareness: A Literature Review

“…Also, we found examples of studies (n = 5) that followed a mixed methods research scheme, using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and research tools, for example [53,54]. The studies of mixed-methodology results are important in that the triangulation of the results allows for a better and deeper understanding, thereby improving the validity of their conclusions [55].…”

“…Especially during the pandemic, drama practitioners and teachers thought of the importance of using blended pedagogical strategies and pedagogies as a necessity due to the COVID-19 crisis. They also decided to combine media knowledge, technology, methods of applying and handling video cameras, and video editing techniques to ensure the sustainability and quality of the hybrid theatre [54]. Similarly, Karaosmanoglu et al [47] carried out an interpretive qualitative research design to determine the opinions of drama teachers regarding the digital platforms where online drama lessons were held and the Web 2.0 tools used during the pandemic situation.…”

“…The basis of the actor-audience relationship involves crucial visual, auditory, and kinetic experiences, which are still maintained in digital theatre. However, "they do not occur directly in the same space, the process of adapting is done in such a way so that emotional awareness, sympathy, and empathy continue to occur either directly or indirectly between the actor and the audience" [54] (p. 19). Also, this research indicates teamwork, raising awareness about the environment, value-shaping towards ecological issues, and enhancing students' interest in participating in environmental protection actions.…”

Lithuanian Theatres During the Covid-19 Pandemic: An Eagerness to Create and to Watch

“…With the global introduction of confinement and the closure of theatres, many members of the theatre community found themselves in a precarious situation. Workers in the theatre sector in particular became vulnerable due to the loss of their occupation as theatres became unable to host and produce performances as usual (Aziz Hussin & Bianus, 2022). Studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the creative industries have been carried out since the introduction of confinement and the closure of cultural institutions, and estimates are still being supplemented with new data.…”