The Power of Discretion – The Figure Actor

The central theme of the present study brings to the fore the figuration actor, seen not as the one who carries the tray or as a decorative presence within the theatrical performance, but, on the contrary, as a necessity, because, in essence, it is a stage presence with a role in supporting the stage atmosphere only through gestures and attitudes, and sometimes through short but significant lines. But theater also presupposes the emergence of a collective figuration, nothing more than a complex instrument, sometimes discreet, sometimes central, but always controlled in detail to serve the meaning of the ongoing performance. Therefore, the figuration actor, whether he evolves individually or is a
component of a group, becomes an integral part of the direction, because he gives scope to the production through fluidity and expressiveness. In support of the comments and descriptions that refer to the characteristics and purpose of the figuration actor, I presented two experiences from my own artistic activity. The arguments demonstrate that alongside the main and secondary characters, there is a world of discreet, but at the same time absolutely indispensable, creative presences or entities to the theatrical performance.