Analysis of the Videostage for Social Criticism in the Intermedial Theatre of Agrupación Señor Serrano

Authors

Keywords:

production analysis, intermediality, dramaturgy, videostage, incorporated technologies, audiovisuals, Agrupación Señor Serrano, multimedia theatre, intermedial theatre

Abstract

This paper analyses the dramaturgy of the videostage — the audiovisual medium inserted into the performing arts — in four productions by Agrupación Señor Serrano. The company uses resources such as image capture and projection, pre-recorded video introduction and editing, all in real time. Its narrative is based on a language familiar to the audience and the scathing humour that it builds by superimposing multiple signs through the vide-ostage. Thus, the functions of video are studied in relation to its objective of generating criticism and reflection.

In order to create a theoretical basis for the analysis of the semantic interactions between the stage and the video, the main studies on intermediality, remediation, digital theatre and virtuality are explored. These tools support a proposal of analysis of the dramaturgical purposes of the videostage.

In conclusion, the study advocates the synthesis of a dramaturgical model whose objective is social criticism using technological means and the hybridisation of languages, of which Agrupación Señor Serrano is a key exponent in Spain. It is argued that its dramaturgy would not make sense if it were not for the audiovisual language, while being profoundly theatrical. This full incorporation of the videostage into the visual stage elements reaffirms the theatre’s capacity to assimilate resources to enhance its core of dramatic conviction.

Published

29-11-2022