Role (performing arts)

The term role in the performing arts is usually taken to mean an actor's interpretation of a fictional character written in a script that culminates in a unique performance of that character. So, for example, Shakespeare's character of King Lear remains timeless and unchanging as words on a page, but each new actor coming to the character creates a new role, a new expression of the possibilities in that character. Each actor brings his or her own sensibilities, physicality, emotional history and personality to a character to create a unique role. Consequently, no two roles can ever be the same. This is one of the features of performance that makes it compelling and 'alive'.

Related Topics:
Actor - Interpretation - Fictional character - Script - King Lear

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The term role is usually used of the dramatic arts but roles may be acted, sung or danced.

Related Topics:
Sung - Dance

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Not to be confused with the term Role-play which is the experimentation of character, and/or situations. See more at role.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~