Transcript 1 - Louisiana Tech University

Designed by Michael Rasbury
Works Cited:
Barranger, Milly. Theatre- A Way of Seeing.
5th edition. Chapter 1, Thomson Learning,
Inc., 2002.
1
DISCOVERING THEATRE
Art, in general, is a mirror or reflection of life; an abstraction
or a projection of how we live, think, and feel.
Types of Artistic Expression...
Literary Art
Visual Art
Performing Arts
Descriptions of Theatre.
Theatre is created when people make art out of
themselves for others to experience and learn from.
We can use the Theatre to learn about ourselves as well as others.
Theatre’s Paradoxes according to Barranger
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It is unique to the moment, yet repeatable
It is spontaneous, yet rehearsed
It is real, yet simulated
It is understandable, yet obscure
The actors are themselves, yet they portray
characters
The audience believes, yet it does not believe
The audience is involved, yet remains apart
TheatreWhy?
The theatre is
“alive” in a way
that is different
from every other
form of dramatic
presentation.
Theatre is the foundation of all drama.
Theatre is the study of the human
condition.
Chapter 1 defines theatre by observing several aspects: immediacy,
aliveness, doubleness, fictions, spaces and audiences.
Theatre’s
Immediacy
Theatre can be described as an “immediate” art form because of its
ability to exist within the moment by means of an exchange of human
experience between the actor(s) and the audience.
Because of this idea, Barranger describes the art of theatre as
“limited.” It requires actors and audience to meet at a predetermined
time and place.
A direct communication must occur between the performers and
witnesses.
“A man walks across this empty space whilst
someone else is watching him, and this is all
that is needed for an act of theatre to be
engaged.”
-Peter Brook
Theatre’s
Aliveness
Theatre “mirrors” life and often serves as a
metaphor to describe elements of life.
As a live event progresses through time, a sense of
“aliveness” builds as the actor and audience
increasingly transact.
Presenting theatre requires certain elements that
have been necessary for at least 2500 years.
A production of a live event is completely unique
and will never be repeated exactly as witnessed.
Theatre’s “Doubleness”
Theatre has often been described as a “mirror.”
Theatre represents life by presenting a
set of particular reflections of human
events.
TIMOTHY MAKIN
What is the division between life and
art?
Artistic intention and self-awareness
TIMOTHY MAKIN AS “CHADIE” IN GOITER ON RYE
Theatre’s Fictions
Even when using subject matter based on truth, dramatization
usually requires fiction.
On television, documentaries and television news are presented
as factual.
Theatre’s Illusions
The most perceptible illusion is twofold because the assumption is
made that we are sharing an experience with the rest of the
audience for the very first time and the actors are other than who
they are.
A interesting aspect of drama is the participants’ willing suspension
of his or her own disbelief in what is actually happening.
Theatre’s Spaces
Theatre has always required a space for
presentation.
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PHOTO CREDIT: WASHINGTON SQUARE ARTS
The Greeks called their theatre “theatron,”
or “seeing place.”
A performer, observer(s), and space is
required by theatre production.
PHOTO BY BRIAN TYRANNY
TAKEN AT THE BURNING MAN FESTIVAL
Theatre’s Audiences
The audience is one of the necessary components of theatre. According to
Barranger, audience members have common expectations:
1. We expect plays to be related to life experiences.
2. We go to a production expecting the familiar.
3. We want to be part of a “collective response.”
4. Audiences make preparations for attending plays and
observe rules of decorum.
5. The audience is central to the theatrical event.
Designed by Michael Rasbury
Works Cited:
Barranger, Milly. Theatre- A Way of Seeing.
5th edition. Chapter 1, Thomson Learning,
Inc., 2002.
1
DISCOVERING THEATRE