COLLABORATIVE AUTHORSHIP IN PERFORMANCE: THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER AS CO-CREATORS.
Contemporary performance creation increasingly reflects a shift from hierarchical models of artistic production toward collaborative frameworks in which multiple creative agents share authorship of theatrical and dance works. Among the most critical relationships in this evolving structure is that between the Artistic Director and the Dance Choreographer, whose interaction significantly shapes the conceptual, aesthetic, and experiential dimensions of performance. This study investigates collaborative authorship in performance by examining how these two practitioners function as co-creators in contemporary theatre and dance production. Drawing from qualitative research methods, including document analysis, production reviews, and case study interpretation, the study explores the dynamics of artistic negotiation, shared decision-making and interdisciplinary integration. Findings suggest that performance outcomes are strongest when creative authority is distributed through mutual respect, continuous dialogue, and shared artistic vision. The study concludes that contemporary performance is best understood not as individually authored but as collectively constructed through collaborative creativity.
Keywords: Artistic Director, Collaborative authorship, Creative collaboration, Dance Choreographer, performance studies,