Things I Know to be True: relationships between performers and audience

Play Overview and Authorial Intent

“Things I Know to be True,” written by Andrew Bovell, is a play that relies heavily upon the relationship between the performers and the audience. The multi-dimensional family narrative urges a connection between both parties.
Bovell has drafted moments of shocking revelation throughout the play that encourage a shared emotional experience between the performers and the audience. These unexpected plot twists keep the audience on edge and promote a shared emotional journey.
Bovell’s non-linear narrative style also contributes to the performer-audience relationship. This method requires the audience to remain engaged and to actively put together pieces of the story, fostering a more interactive bond with the performers.

One of the key ways this relationship is formed is through the use of direct address. Characters often speak direct to the audience, breaking the “fourth wall”. This helps to establish an intimate and personal relationship between the performers and the viewers, as it invites the audience into the emotional theatrics of the play.
Physical theatre is used to demonstrate the relationships, emotions and dynamics within the family. This visually expressive approach helps the audience to understand and relate to the characters on stage, deepening their connection to the story.
Strategic use of lighting and stage layout in “Things I Know to be True” allows performers to draw the audience’s gaze and accentuate key moments. This helps guide the audience’s emotional responses and involvement in the spectacle.
There is a heavy reliance on theatrical devices such as symbolism and dramatic irony. These tools invite a deeper understanding while creating unique avenues for emotional engagement with the audience.

The play is enriched with relatable themes such as family, love, betrayal, identity and loss. These universal human experiences help the audience to connect personally with the characters, their trials and tribulations, forging a bond between the spectator and performer.
The monologues in the play not only showcase the inner thoughts of the characters but also construct an open dialogue with the audience. By permitting the audience directly into their worlds, performers involve the viewers in their plight, further solidifying the relationship.
The performers’ portrayal of each character’s growth and transformation throughout the play, by adjusting their body language, gestures and speech patterns, play a crucial role in forming a lasting and impactful connection with the audience.