Rhetoric of Modern Improvisational Theater. Genre Criticism of the Harold Cover Image

Retoryka współczesnego teatru improwizowanego. Krytyka gatunkowa formatu Harold
Rhetoric of Modern Improvisational Theater. Genre Criticism of the Harold

Author(s): Aleksandra Łukowska
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Fine Arts / Performing Arts, Applied Linguistics
Published by: Polskie Towarzystwo Retoryczne
Keywords: improvisation;improv;theater;rhetorical genre criticism,;Harold

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is a rhetorical analysis of contemporary improvisational theater. The analysis is based on distinctive, typical elements of the traditional structure of oratorical speech and its delivery strategy. The study is based on a method developed by Agnieszka Budzyńska-Daca, which consists of a description of the four dimensions of the genre. The basic premise of contemporary Rhetorical Genre Studies (RGS), that is, the recognition of a genre as a social action, makes it possible to view improvisation as a two-subject event within which a code with specific goals is created. Criticism is therefore based on the key aspects: purpose, audience and action. In this perspective, the genre analysis in the article focuses on the rhetorical situation and its context. The research material consists of two performances in Harold – a format representative of improv.

  • Issue Year: 7/2020
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 158-184
  • Page Count: 28
  • Language: Polish