Necessary Targets: relationships between performers and audience

Understanding Audience and Performer Relationships in Necessary Targets

Defining the Relationship

In Necessary Targets, the relationship between the performers and the audience is transformed into a therapeutic one.
The audience becomes a witness to the trauma the characters are trying to share, forming a type of empathetic bond with them.

Role of Performers

The performers create a link between the audience and the characters. Their job is to portray the characters’ tale of survival accurately and thoughtfully.
Through the performers, the audience can see and feel the character’s struggles, bringing deeper understanding and empathy.

Engaging the Audience

The play engages the audience through confrontational monologues and dialogues, dramatic confrontations, and an exploration of common human experiences.
These elements, along with understated performances, ensure that the audience is emotionally invested in the characters’ stories.

The Shift of Perspectives

As the play progresses, both the audience and performers shift perspectives. Initially, the audience may view the characters as victims, but as their stories unfold, we begin to see them as powerful survivors.
This shift further enhances the connectivity and understanding between the performers and audience.

Breaking the Fourth Wall

At times, the play breaks the fourth wall by directly addressing the audience. This dramatic technique creates intense moments of connection and adds to the transformative experience.

Understanding the Co-shared Space

The performance space in Necessary Targets is a shared therapeutic space for the characters, performers, and the audience.
The space becomes a metaphorical therapy room where healing from shared trauma takes place, marking an essential part of their cathartic journey.

Impact on the Audience

The interactive dynamic between performers and audience aims to leave the audience with a heightened sense of awareness about the humanitarian crisis and the internal struggles each character faces.
The play fosters empathy and promotes a deeper understanding of the issue, thereby cultivating a more informed and thoughtful audience.

Achieving Authenticity

Authentic representation of emotion and character depth is pivotal to maintaining the connection between the performers and the audience.
Performers need to approach their roles with sensitivity and preparation, ensuring that their portrayal resonates with the audience and remains emotionally truthful throughout.