ABSTRACT
As Bartlett’s status and reputation have grown in the theatrical community, so has his platform for discussing not only his work but also his vision of what the theatre should and should not be doing. Bartlett has been and continues to be a vocal cheerleader for the power of theatre and its overall effectiveness. He creatively pursues the wonder of theatre to surprise and engage the audience, and in embracing that wonder, Bartlett endeavours to make each play different, metaphorically shaking away the previous material and starting anew on his Etch-a-Sketch stage. This chapter explores three distinct elements of the theatre that are significant in Bartlett’s approach to disrupting expectations. The first element is the audience, as he understands the power television has had in shortening theatregoers’ attention spans. His writing aims to provoke and engage an audience that is constantly seeking content. Second, Bartlett is aware of how his characters’ language and his structuring of the play of his characters are crucial in maintaining current and enticing new audiences. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is the experience itself where Bartlett aims to viscerally challenge the audience through his provocative material, innovative staging, and complex and complicated characters.
