Reflections on the relevance of speaking of a "scenic creation before the spectator"

Abstract

To describe the activity of the artist, the notion of "creation" is often used. In the performing arts for instance, one will speak about  "stage creation"; and often this "creation" will be thought of as taking place "in front of the audience". But nothing ensures that it is really what happens. At least it is worth launching a double interrogation. On the one hand: to produce an art work, does the artist work with what did not exist before? On the other hand: does what occurs with the art work occur "in front" or "with" the audience?