Performing Literary Texts: The Challenge of Chamber Theatre

Literature - poetry, prose or drama - is an exploration of human life and behaviour. Whether as actors, teachers, librarians, students or parents, performing brings a written text to life. From concept to practice the various terms applied to this form of theatre are described, particularly 'Chamber Theatre'. (Performed by a handful of players in a small and intimate venue combining narration with dialogue.) Contemporary Chamber Theatre is set in its historical perspective with 'The Chaucer Experience' as an early example when Chaucer first read the Canterbury Tales to his friends. The techniques of performing a text are explored with special attention to the use of the voice, facial expression and gesture. The world of Chamber Theatre is performance centred on the imagination without the costs of conventional stage productions.