Adaptation as Remediation and Collaborative Practice (Elevator Repair Service, Frantic Assembly)

Abstract

Company-based work that departs from adaptation is an increasingly common trend, and this chapter examines the relationship between adaptive processes, devising and collective creation, exploring the paradoxical fascination with adhering to yet also moving away from textual material. The chapter also focuses on transpositions between genres and media, in order to consider the role of repurposing and remediation in bringing pre-existing material to the stage in a fresh light. By mapping out avenues in the dramatization of precursor works, the chapter reminds us of the immense creative potential inherent in collaborative practice, situates relating to literary and dramatic sources in ways that eschew representation, and posits experimental forms of theatre making as legitimate and rewarding avenues in stage adaptation.