The dramaturg past and present
Here is a short etymology of the word and how we in the Dramaturgs’ Network and others define the word and role today.
DRAMATURG originates from the ancient Greek:
Dramatourgos = drama (deed or act) + ergos (work or composition) So, originally the ‘dramatourgos’ meant a composer of drama, i.e. the playwright. (Although this expression for a playwright was very rarely used.)
The job of the dramaturg emerged in 1767, when the playwright and critic G.E. Lessing (1729 - 1781) was employed by the Hamburg National Theatre to be an ‘in house critic’ for all their productions.
The word ‘dramaturg’ today is commonly used to refer to the literary adviser of a theatre, who takes part in the rehearsal process and who guards the integrity of the play.
The dramaturg today
A dramaturg’s role is exciting and multifaceted depending on the context and type of production process. The dramaturg works closely with the director and/or playwright, the company and sometimes the producer. S/he looks after the analysis and ideas of the production, making sure that the director’s, company’s or writer’s vision and production concept translate and communicate through design, light, sound and costume for that particular audience and venue. Dramaturgs are readers of texts and performances, sounding boards and an additional resource for all involved. The dramaturg is a collaborative role and can be seen as a critical collaborator.
Posted by Hanna at 05:33 PM in Dramaturgy, Resources
