Reading Theatre: A Poetics of Reception

Introduction

In her seminal work, Reading Theatre, Anne Ubersfeld argues that the meaning of a theatrical performance is not fixed and immutable, but rather is constantly being created and recreated by the audience. She draws on a wide range of theoretical perspectives, including semiotics, phenomenology, and psychoanalysis, to develop a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between text, performance, and audience.

The Text

Ubersfeld begins by arguing that the theatrical text is not simply a blueprint for performance, but rather a complex and multifaceted work of art that exists independently of any particular production. She draws on the work of semioticians such as Roland Barthes and Umberto Eco to show how the text is a system of signs that can be interpreted in a variety of ways.

The Performance

Ubersfeld then turns to the performance itself, arguing that it is not simply a reproduction of the text, but rather a unique and ephemeral event that is constantly being shaped by the interaction between the actors, the director, and the audience. She draws on the work of phenomenologists such as Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Hans-Georg Gadamer to show how the performance is a lived experience that is constantly being interpreted and reinterpreted by the audience.

The Audience

Finally, Ubersfeld turns to the audience, arguing that they are not simply passive recipients of the performance, but rather active participants in the creation of meaning. She draws on the work of psychoanalysts such as Jacques Lacan and Julia Kristeva to show how the audience is constantly bringing their own experiences and desires to the performance, and how these experiences and desires shape the way they interpret the text.

Conclusion

Ubersfeld concludes by arguing that the meaning of a theatrical performance is not something that can be definitively fixed or determined, but rather is something that is constantly being created and recreated by the audience. She invites readers to approach the theater with an open mind and a willingness to be surprised, and to allow themselves to be carried away by the magic of the performance.

Why You Should Read Reading Theatre

Reading Theatre is a must-read for anyone interested in the theater. Ubersfeld's insights into the complex relationship between text, performance, and audience are invaluable for understanding how meaning is created in the theater. Her work is also a powerful reminder of the importance of the audience in the theatrical experience.

If you are a theater lover, a student of theater, or simply someone who is interested in the power of performance, I highly recommend reading Reading Theatre. It is a book that will change the way you think about the theater.

Where to Buy Reading Theatre

Reading Theatre is available for purchase from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Powell's Books. You can also find it at your local library.