Conceptual basis of the art of “Theatre of Shock”

The purpose of this paper is to develop the fundamental basis of the art of “theatre of shock”, as the art of the highest spiritual and emotional level, as well as to identify the characteristic features and directorial components that provide it. The methodology. We applied the analytic-conceptual and empirical approaches to identify the most energy-intensive artistic means of creating a theatrical product and the most effective directorial tools for influencing the spiritual-emotional sphere of the viewer by creating the highest energy and philosophical and aesthetic level that can bring the audience to a state of shock. The results. For the first time in art criticism, an analysis of the generalization and systematization of director’s tools and ways was carried out, the creation of a “shock” for the creation of theatrical art. The concept proposed by the author crowns the triangle that, together with the art of “dissimulation theatre” and the art of “excitement theatre”, is the technological trinity of theatrical art: dissimulation — excitement — shock. The study conducted by the author gives grounds to conclude that the creation of theatrical performances, belonging to the art of the highest spiritual and emotional level — to the art of “theatre of shock”, is possible if such fundamental components as: sealed module of dramaturgy, “muscles” of play events, scenographic directing, metaphorical vocabulary, means of psychological theater and energy field of actors’ “emission” are embodied in the stage space. The model of the “theater of shock” assumes complete domination over the emotions of the spectator, the deepest immersion in the whirlpool of dramatic events and bringing to a deep trance with a powerful energy field of emission. The topicality. This paper contains such terms as “theater of shock”, “theater of trance”, “scenographic directing”, “molecular directing” are introduced into scientific circulation. The practical significance. Scientific development of ways, methods and means of creating the “theater of shock” as a kind of the most powerful energy and philosophical-typical level can be implemented in the educational process. Along with this presentation the concept of “theater of shock” can have its continuation in the theses of students with degrees in the field of art history, opens the prospect of updating the theatrical palette.