Totally Transfixed? Formulating a methodology through an interdisciplinary lens

Abstract

“Totally Transfixed?” is an attempt in formulating a new methodology within the theatrical framework. Jungian psychoanalytical concepts such as Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious are fused and reconciled with the theoretical work of Antonin Artaud and Jerzy Grotowski to provide a clear and precise goal of creating a methodology which impacts the unconscious of audiences. Furthermore, these concepts are further elaborated on in which manner it may present on stage. The essay draws exclusively upon written sources from academic fields both in service of critique and creation and is, thus, theoretical in nature. Anthropologists, Performance Theorists, and Archaeologists, ancient techniques of ritual, spirituality and performance are all adapted into a new theatrical methodology. These are then summarized into conventions of this methodology which hopes to Transfix audiences. By exploring these techniques, the search for catharsis is expanded through a psychoanalytic lens, which equates the spiritual with the unconscious. As an open-ended exploration the main goals of impacting audiences’ unconscious and formulating a new methodology are largely speculative but a clear and concise prescriptions on implementation based on these interdisciplinary concepts are suggested by theatrical convention i.e. costume, lighting, sound, performance technique, and space.