Around the World in 80 Days: relationships between performers and audience

Crucial Elements for Performer-Audience Engagement

“Around the World in 80 Days” is a play that requires the performers to establish a strong relationship with the audience, maintaining a constant level of interaction to create a captivating theatrical experience.
The performers should work to break the fourth wall, directly addressing or acknowledging the audience. This blurring of the line between the play and reality enhances the audience’s immersion in the narrative and heightens their emotional investment.
The protagonist, Phileas Fogg, invites viewers to join his thrilling journey, making them feel like integral parts of the plot. This interactive relationship adds a layer of excitement and curiosity for the audience.

The performers use asides, or spoken thoughts delivered directly to the audience, as an effective tool to share their minds, fostering understanding and empathy. Apart from advancing the plot, these asides create a connection between the characters and the audience.
The play’s dynamic scenes and dramatic shifts in setting demand the viewers’ attention and participation. The performers should constantly engage the audience by employing different vocal tones, physical expressions, and gestures to make the text more accessible and enjoyable.
Humour is an essential tool that performers use to engage the audience in “Around the World in 80 Days”. The comedic moments not only entertain but also encourage the audience to empathise more deeply with the characters’ struggles and victories.

The play’s themes of adventure, friendship and perseverance resonate with the audience. These universal themes, portrayed through relatable characters, inspire, entertain, and challenge viewers, further strengthening the special bond with the performers.
Lastly, the narrative’s suspenseful time limit of 80 days adds a palpable tension that keeps the audience hooked. This ticking clock element makes the audience root for the characters and becomes extremely invested in the outcome.