Final answer:
The practice of developing a story in real-time without a written script, often based on an existing framework, is known as improvisation. This form of storytelling is significant in various oral traditions and theatrical performances where it serves to connect the present with cultural myths and histories.
Step-by-step explanation:
Developing a story on-the-spot without writing it down, usually based on a preexisting basic framework, is known as improvisation. This technique is deeply rooted in various forms of oral storytelling and performance. Unlike traditional storytelling that might be based on careful scripting and rehearsal, improvisation involves creating the narrative in real-time, often influenced by audience interaction or spontaneous creative inspiration.
In various theatrical traditions, improvisation has been a key element where performers craft stories without the confines of a written script. This has been seen in outdoor Shakespeare performances where actors engage directly with the audience to bring their characters and the story to life. The success of such pieces often leans heavily on the language arts and the actor-audience relationship.
This form of storytelling is prevalent in societies with a strong oral tradition, where myths, legends, and cultural histories are passed down through generations by word of mouth. These stories create a collective memory and are an essential part of maintaining cultural identity, as is vividly demonstrated in the practice of Dreamtime among Indigenous Australian peoples.