Theatre History Overview - Part 92 - Minimalist Theatre

Minimalism is nothing new to the theatre. After all, Greek theatre probably did not have much more than actors and a stage. However, as theatre evolved, more costumes and scenery evolved for different reasons in different movements.
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Minimalism isn't found much in theatre. Instead, it tends to have a definition related to the purely visual arts. It started in the 1960s and focused on the simplest design forms.

Minimalist theatre can be a lot like Poor Theatre. It is not certain when it happened, but miimalist theatre moved into churches, youth groups, an other places with small or no budgets. This was fairly prevelent in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Minimalist theatre took on more than a bare stage, though. If a set designer was available, there may have been some type of painting or small set made with the available supplies. People who acted were encouraged to use their imaginations. If a cup was needed and not available, a look in the nursery may have resulted in somebody finding a slinky. The actor then might pretend that the slinky was a cup.

This type of minimalist theatre focuses on using what is availavle. It ask actors an audiences to stretch their imaginations. It is still widely used for ministry in religious groups.

Minimalism still exists in theatre around the world. A director may decide to use minimalist theatre like religious groups use it. However, that may not be the case. A set may be minimal in order to provide ease for set changes or to eliminate them. Costumes may be minimal to keep actors comfortable. It all depends on the vision of the director or the vision of the ensemble if it is a Devised Theatre piece.

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