Big Ideas The unbearable intimacy of voicing someone’s words — with Forced Entertainment
Jun 3, 2025
Terry O'Connor and Tim Etchells, co-founders of the acclaimed British theatre company Forced Entertainment, dive into the intricate relationship between performance and authorship. They explore how a performer embodies another's words, creating emotional connections in the process. The discussion highlights the ethical nuances of voicing diverse narratives and the collaborative spirit that enriches theatrical work. Technology's role in rehearsal and the profound themes of communication and intimacy in performance further illuminate the creative landscape they navigate.
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Power Dynamics in Performance
- Theatre creates tension between author, performer, and audience in voicing words.
- Performance transforms text from static writing to living, mutable expression.
Speak Bitterness Confession Marathon
- Speak Bitterness had performers confess mixed personal and societal failings aloud for hours.
- The confessions produced social fractures both on stage and in the audience, showing audience complicity.