Emotion in theatre as abuse, excess and acting technique

The present paper starts from the idea of abuse that is generated by emotionality that is not properly managed either by spectators or stage professionals. Taking into consideration the psychological aspects of emotion and the way emotion is used in stage expression, it is emphasized that the idea of controlling emotion is as pernicious as the idea of letting oneself fall prey to emotion. It is noted that emotion, seen as a process of survival of the self, should not be automatically dismissed as series of micro-actions devoid of reason. Emotions can, however, be interchanged and transformed until they exhaust their energy. It also examines how, from a theatrical perspective, emotion is not only seen in facial expressions, but practically resides in the actor’s entire stage behaviour. At the same time, it is discussed that emotion, from a scenic point of view, is not exhibited, communicated by the actor, but is perceived by the spectator in a detectivist way

Emotion classification · Emotionality · Perception · Two-factor theory of emotion · Emotions and Moral Behavior · Historical and Modern Theater Studies · Theatre and Performance Studies