Throwing in Technical Objects on Contemporary Stages

Abstract: This paper deals with the use by the actor of the technical object, asking the following question: does the way it is handled by the actor initiate new playing practices? First, the technical object is defined from a general point of view. Then its statute is characterized in reference to the theatrical context: in what way can it be differentiated from any other object on stage? Playing instrument for the actor, it induces particular playing skills: it is illustrated by the stage work of the Wooster Group. The technical object thus appears as an instrumental extension of the actor's playing body: the paper then turns to some similar artistic experiences.