Directorial Conceptions in Argentine Contemporary Theatre in Relation to Staging and the Notion of Device

Abstract

The paper delves into directorial concepts that align with strategies for creating contemporary stagings. We analyze interviews conducted with theater directors from the contemporary independent theater scene in the city of Cordoba, Argentina, so as to obtain an understanding of the conceptions guiding their actions. We identify three pairs of contrasting positions: first, that between conceiving plays as products or as challenges; second, that of conceiving stagings as either events or devices; and thirdly, the choice between material compositions or those based on meanings. These contrasting notions are made to engage in a discourse with the stagings created by these directors. In conclusion, we consider aspects of the singular nature of the sphere of independent theater production.