Simulation, Speculation and Futurity in Contemporary Dramaturgy

Simulation, Speculation and Futurity in Contemporary Dramaturgy: From ‘As if’ to ‘What if’ in European Performance Practice examines the resurgence of fiction in contemporary theatre and performance as artists respond to pressing global crises through imagination and speculation rather than documentary realism. Rather than creating illusionary worlds on stage, theatre is inserted into reality, disguised as a court of justice, dating profile, or concept store. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of how European theatre makers such as Milo Rau, Philippe Quesne, Katja Heitmann, Dries Verhoeven and Lotte van den Berg exploit fiction's potential whilst expanding dramaturgical practices. You will discover how theatre's ‘as if’ practices’ are uniquely capable of exploring alternate realities through simulation and speculative thinking. The book demonstrates how contemporary artists deploy theatre's toolkit to activate 'what if' thinking and create laboratories for rehearsing futurity. Through detailed case studies and theoretical frameworks, you will gain insight into how practitioners suggest alternative scenarios for a world facing climate change, democratic fragility and social inequality. This book is essential reading for students and scholars of theatre studies, performance studies and dramaturgy who seek to understand current shifts in contemporary performance practice and the renewed significance of fiction in addressing urgent societal challenges.