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All the World’s a Stage “All the world’s a stage,” said Jacques in William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Today that seems particularly true as we are assaulted with theatre in the form of movies, television, and videos. While you may be comfortable with these media, perhaps your experience with live theatre is limited. The aim of all types of theatre should be to help us understand ourselves better as we learn about other people and the world. Types of theatre, however, are many and varied. Movies, TV, and videos seem similar to live theatre in that there is a script, a plot, actors, directors, and backstage elements. However, the experiences of seeing movies and attending plays are very different. When we see a film, we are witnessing pictures that have been arranged into a series of scenes, usually shot out of sequence and shot many times before the final “take.” Every bit is edited to control permanently what we see. This is even true in so called “reality shows.” Countless viewings give us the same production. The show is frozen in time. In contrast, live theatre is transitory. It is always in the “now.” Each moment as it passes is gone forever, as is true in life. Even if the play runs for a number of years, each performance is a unique experience. Every night there is a different audience, and varying degrees of energy flow from the actors. Also, as live performance audience members, we can look at anything we want to see. Our focus is not completely controlled by the editing room as it is in film and television. Unlike other art forms, such as paintings that forever remain constant, or novels, which present the past reported in the present, theatre lets us experience that which is happening right now. Actors speak as if for the first time. There is immediacy as theatre gives us a metaphoric statement of life. When we attend the theatre, we have a sense of occasion, of sharing with others the essence of the human condition. When we attend the theatre, we are offered a look into our lives. Sometimes we feel an affirmation as we laugh at situations and characters that encourage us to “loosen up.” Other times we are pulled into life’s serious issues that demand deep thinking and genuine feeling. Experiencing such social and personal problems on stage allows us to critically think about our own role and values in the world today. When we attend the theatre we share and experience with other audience members and we influence each other’s reactions. Our laughing at a funny line or focusing with rapt attention as a tear creeps down our cheek may encourage similar responses for the people sitting around us. Discussing the play with others during the intermission and afterwards will increase our appreciation and allow us opportunities to explain our interpretations and defend our opinions with specifics. Theatre attendance provides us with a sense of occasion, sharing the essence of the human condition. My hope is that participation in Drama10 will encourage you to make live theatre experiences a part of your life. We live in a theatre-rich town where theatrical opportunities abound. Something to remember, however, is that when you attend, it is important for you to observe appropriate audience behaviour. Society mandates what modes of conduct are acceptable for various situations. When you watch TV at home, it is usually considered all right to talk during a show, leave the room, eat something, talk on the phone, fart out loud, etcetera. In live theatre that behaviour is inappropriate. The audience is expected to observe certain manners that will ensure an enjoyable experience for all in attendance. THE ASSIGNMENT TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF THE SEMESTER: Attend a live play and observe audience response and behaviour. Also, analyze your own reactions. Write a two-page report on your impressions and observations, noting differences between live theatre and the movies and television that you regularly see. Include: a) a brief description of the play, b) where it was held, c) a rough estimate of the number of audience members, d) cost of the ticket, and e) whether or not you would recommend others see the piece. HOW TO PREPARE:
HOW TO PRESENT: After attending the play, write your comments and polish them into a formal report. Do not forget to include your receptiveness to the live show, noticing the differences between your experiences there and that which you have when attending movies or watching TV. Again, report on audience behaviour and attitude. Be sure you give specific examples to explain your statements. Draw up a creative cover sheet for the report that, at the very least, includes the title of the play, the venue [where you saw it performed], the date, and your name. You may also include a copy of the programme [if there is one], your ticket, and anything else that relates to your live theatre experience. WHEN DO I WANT IT: Written reports are due before the end of the semester. Plan your time wisely. Pick up a weekly paper that has live theatre listings and think about what you would like to see. The exercise should be seriously fun. Have fun doing this seriously. Thanks. STAGE GRADING RUBRIC: S – sound, all elements included T – took time to put the elements together A – approaching greatness G – greatness E – exceeding greatness
Special thanks to Fran Averett Tanner, Ph.D. for inspiring this exercise. |