Text Out of Context

“This technique consists of reading the news in a different context from the one in which people are used to reading such news, finding a way of marking it so that the subject is seen fresh.

One time, in Argentina, an admiral was killed, shot down in the street; when the gossip columnist’s style was applied to the description of the burial, a scene of terrible black humour was produced. These columnists like to describe details such as what each character is wearing. They concern themselves as much with the hat as with the head which bears it. Describing the widow, it said: ‘The colour black, refined, impeccable, set against the grey of winter and the smoke of the city, seemed the safest bet, a trump card played by all the leaders of fashion. To adopt this colour, rather than to adopt the “hit” of the moment, is to affirm a vivacious, luminous, dynamic personality. Her younger sister was the very image of a black swan, volatile trousers almost as wide as skirts, of chalk white, with the finest trimmings from waist to ankles. The deceased…’ And the black humour went on. No less black, no less tragic than the same process applied to the description of the burial of a child dead in some poor village, critically applying the gossip-column style to the clothes of the mother bought in the market, the patched trousers of the father, the bare feet of the brother, etc.” Augusto Boal

The following steps outline how to implement the Text Out of Context technique for transforming ordinary texts into theatrical performances that challenge the audience and encourage deeper analysis:

Facilitate a discussion with the audience to exchange reactions and insights. Encourage them to consider the variety of connotations of the text when viewed in this new context.
Choose a piece of text such as a speech, news article, or official statement that contains a misleading or hypocritical message.
Think about a context that contrasts with the original context of the text, pointing out hypocrisy or unrevealed agenda. For example, a speech on economic austerity delivered by a politician while indulging in luxury.
Develop a script that includes the selected text and outlines the contrasting text, actions or setting.
Plan and work on the performance to present the text and contrast. Involve props, costumes, or specific actions to emphasize the dissonance.
Perform the piece, focus on the contrast between the text and its new context. This can be done through live theater or multimedia presentations.

Examples:

Reading a political speech about migration and national security as if it were a decree from an ancient empire, complete with costumes and settings from that era, to highlight the speech’s presumptions and prejudices.
An actor reads a politician’s speech about environmental conservation while actively engaging in environmentally harmful activities, such as littering or wasting resources.
A corporate CEO’s statement about fair labor practices is read while actors portray factory workers in poor conditions.

In today’s media-rich environment, the Text Out of Context technique can be expanded to include digital and social media elements:

Create video mashups that contrast public statements with contradictory footage or images.
Use social media platforms to present a series of posts or stories that contrast public statements with actions.
Use enhanced reality to show text over live video, creating a clear comparison instantly.
Include popular memes, parts from blog posts, online articles or viral internet content.
Integrate GIFs or emojis into the presentation of the text.
Take online ads and display them in a public setting, like a theater stage or an art gallery, to show how commercial messages infiltrate everyday life.
Create interactive elements ie. allow the audience to choose the context or setting in which the text is presented.

Here are some simple and practical tips to help you use the Text Out of Context technique:

Research the original context of the text thoroughly to understand its variations. This will help you create a more meaningful and contrasting new context.
Ensure the new context is easy to understand and relatable for the audience.
Humor can be a powerful tool to highlight stereotypes and assumptions, but it should be used carefully to avoid offending or excluding the audience.
Before a full presentation, test the technique with a small audience to assess reactions and make necessary adjustments.
Use projectors, sound systems, and other technological tools to enhance the presentation.
Incorporate elements that the audience is familiar with, such as popular culture references or common societal themes.
Choose texts and contexts that create a powerful contrast to maximize the impact.
Encourage active audience participation and discussion to deepen their understanding and reflection.