"The theatrical event" is a research model that assumes that theatre and performance, in the broadest sense of the term, take place as a meeting between performers and spectators.

The eventness of theatre and performance refers to the communication between an acting agent and an observing beholder, which can be studied from a hermeneutic perspective in combination with critical theory, postcolonial theory, gender studies, reception research etc. The term encompasses traditional historical and contemporary theatrical events in various genres, but also theatrical events in the broadest sense such as artistic installations, performance art, parades, political and other cultural performances.