The Visual Composition of Aesthetic Space in Furnishing Contemporary Iraqi Theatrical Performance

Abstract

Visual composition is considered one of the most significant realities affirmed by artistic achievements through technological development. In particular, the visual elements within the performance system may not merely indicate transformations of theatrical space; rather, they express the natural, psychological, and environmental dimensions of the theatrical event. This is achieved through experiences of spaces and places beyond conventional and repetitive forms, presenting new interpretations of visual compositions. Such interpretations frame the artistic work as an aesthetic and cognitive unit shaped by the director through philosophical visions that embody the dominance of technology within a cumulative context of fundamental transformations related to the individual and their relationship with the external world.

These transformations are recreated according to the dialectical relationship between the recipient’s subjective formation and the subject matter presented in the theatrical discourse. This relationship is realized through the aesthetic space created by the use of technological devices within the theatrical performance for the purpose of meaning production. Meaning may manifest cognitively, psychologically, or as a combination of both in varying degrees, creating a sense of separation or distance between the audience and the theatrical performance.

Accordingly, the research was divided into four chapters. The first chapter, Methodological Framework, begins with the research problem, centered on the following question:

What is the role of visual composition in creating aesthetic distance within contemporary Iraqi theatrical performances?

The chapter then discusses the significance of the research, highlighting its focus on visual composition in Iraqi theatrical performances through an understanding of aesthetic distance and its effective role in conveying theatrical discourse to the audience. It also serves scholars interested in both aesthetic and intellectual aspects of theater.

The research objective is:

To identify the role of visual composition between artistic framing and aesthetic distance in furnishing contemporary Iraqi theatrical performances.

The chapter further outlines the temporal and spatial boundaries of the study and concludes with definitions of the key terms linguistically, conceptually, and operationally.

The second chapter, Theoretical Framework, consists of two sections:

1-Aesthetic Framing and Theatrical Aesthetic Distance.

2-Mechanisms for Employing Visual Elements in Forming Theatrical Aesthetic Framing.

The chapter concludes with the indicators derived from the theoretical framework.

The third chapter, Research Procedures, includes the research population, limited to the play Tahweer (Transformation/Modification). The research tool consisted of the indicators derived from the theoretical framework, which served as the analytical criterion. The researcher adopted the descriptive-analytical method due to its suitability for the research objective, followed by the analysis of the selected sample.

The fourth chapter presents the Research Results, including:

1-The director employs tools to construct a performance system that presents what is different within a context containing a set of questions aimed at stimulating the audience’s engagement and opening interpretive possibilities through the activation of aesthetic space.

2-The director focuses on employing visual compositions and their functions in creating an aesthetic space based on principles of rejection and opposition, generating conflict through the aesthetics of visual, auditory, and kinetic construction.

3-The cognitive and aesthetic levels achieved in experimental performances that rely on visual technologies provide a form of artistic and aesthetic pleasure through the aesthetic distance established between the performance components and the audience.

Conclusions

4-The process of aesthetically framing a theatrical performance through visual composition plays an effective role in creating aesthetic space and activating the audience’s awareness.

5-The elements of theatrical performance are subject to aesthetic standards that shape the relationship between human and non-human visual elements.

The research concludes with recommendations and proposals, followed by a list of sources and references.