Employing Theatrical Techniques in Documentary Film

Abstract

Correction Note:
ICHIM, A.-M. (2025). Employing Theatrical Techniques in Documentary Film. Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Dramatica, 70(1), 129–144. https://doi.org/10.24193/subbdrama.2025.1.06 has been corrected in the Platform. The changes concern the first 3 footnotes, which were removed, email address, and the references list has been completely revised. Other parts of the article were left untouched. No changes were made that would compromise the integrity and content of the article.
Editors’ note: The article was corrected on 29.06.2026, including the PDF version of the volume.

ABSTRACT. This paper examines the intersection between documentary filmmaking and theatre, arguing that this fusion transcends traditional objective representations of reality. By incorporating elements of theatre, such as narrative structure, performance, and audience interaction, documentaries can offer deeper, more artistic explorations of complex realities and the human condition. Through the analysis of several films that exemplify this approach, the study demonstrates how theatrical techniques in documentary not only broaden the genre’s artistic possibilities but also provide unique insights into historical, social, and personal contexts. This approach transforms documentaries into powerful tools for emotional and intellectual engagement, capturing the transformative journey of performers and their impact on both the film’s subject and the audience, ultimately expanding the scope of documentary filmmaking.