At the recent theatre workshop in Brighton, the idea of unimprovisation appeared. Some teams and groups can find themselves in states that border on chaos. The dynamics of the group are unbounded, and there is a lot of “random” behaviour which can be at the level of fun-poking comments, but can also be in the form if sabotaging behaviour at meetings, non-delivery of key processes. People may be having fun, or the chaos may be a cause of pain and concern.
Sometimes teams can drift into disorganisation and chaos as a result of trauma. For example, the loss of a liked and respected leader, or a painful redundancy programme. In some teams, particularly design teams, maverick behaviour can produce world-beating products, but also quickly become dysfunctional.
Meetings can descend into chaotic conversations where even useful creative ideas lie unheard. Somewhere in there is an improvisational potential lost in the anarchy.
Un-improvising becomes a tool where we seek a NEW place of play, one that, at least initially is bounded. We may reduce freedom in the short term, setting limits, ground rules, reducing space to move. We may put some discipline in place that is aimed at creating a more settled space that eventually can become a fresh, new page upon which a more self-disciplined improvisational urge may develop.
Un-improvising is the process by which we move from chaos to a lightness-based order, out of which a more functional play can emerge.
Some features of unimprovisation include:
– putting a sequence in place
– sorting activities (and people)
– simplifying
– setting time boundaries
– agreeing outputs and measurement
– recognising and respecting others’ needs and limits
Unimprovising may result in more chaos initially, as those who enjoy or are chaos-addicted fight to maintain their boundless play. The process needs to be patient and iterative. A few rules and boundaries can create:
– a more satisfyingly experienced process
– better results and performance
– calm and less stress
– a sense of collective competence based on a little discipline
– meaning – individual and collective – emerging from the chaos
Many games of unimprovisation – simple clapping games with a few rules – can suddenly bring a group together, create the thrill of collaboration and community and also a sense that a few rules actually empower our play.
Applied improvisers should not shy away from letting to pendulum swing away from improvisation and play as a short term way of finding a newer, calmer and safer play space.
Rational Madness Theatre 