To the Reader. Introduction to “The Five Continents of the Theatre”, by Eugenio Barba and Nicola Savarese.

Abstract

The techniques of the actor’s body-mind form the basis of his/her relation with the spectator. Through study, we realised that the relationship with the spectator involves another, equally effective support, made up of auxiliary techniques that concern the circumstances and times that generate a theatrical performance; economic and organisational aspects; information to give to the public; the spaces of performance and those of the spectators; lighting, sound, scenography, makeup, costume, accessories; the relationship that is created between actor and spectator; the means of travel available to actors, and even to spectators. All these elements are managed through know how that is embedded in time and experience – in other words, the actor’s material culture. This is precisely the subject of the recently-published book The Five Continents of the Theatre. Facts and legends of the material culture of the actor.