S/LI/162. ‘Initially through explorations with sound/ movement and audience participation, and later with visual experimentation and fragmented non-discursive vocal deliveries, the contemporary theatre has been demonstrating a rejection of the spoken word for modern day communication.’ (Jacqueline Martin) Discuss the diversification of ‘voice’ in contemporary performance practice.

Contemporary performance relies primarily on the body and visual images and has expressed a rejection of voice. Through the examination of different performance styles, one can identify the extent of the diversification of voice in performance; from monologues and dialogues, through non-narrative vocal deliveries and performance companies that completely reject voice, to the use of ‘words as objects’ and word-like sounds. All are present in contemporary performance practice and this essay will examine the diversification of voice in such work, concluding with a prediction for the future of voice in performance.