Welcome to the first episode of Crash Course Theater, hosted by Mike Rugnetta. In this series, we’ll explore the exciting world of theater, looking at its different forms, famous plays, and performances. Today, we’ll learn what theater is and where it might have come from.
The word “theater” can mean both the place where performances happen and the art form itself. It comes from a Greek word that means “the seeing place.” Theaters can be big, like auditoriums, or small, like parks or even someone’s home.
Theater isn’t just about scripted plays. It can include improvised shows and even plays meant to be read, not performed. A basic definition is that theater needs at least one actor and one audience member. But this raises questions about who counts as an actor or audience member.
Performances can involve robots, puppets, or even animals, challenging what we think of as theater. Composer John Cage said, “theater takes place all the time, wherever one is,” suggesting that everyday life can be a kind of performance.
For our series, we’ll define theater as a planned performance by live actors for a live audience, usually with a script.
There’s a debate about whether to spell it “theater” or “theatre.” Both are correct, but “theater” is more common in the U.S., while “theatre” is used in other English-speaking countries. At Crash Course, we’ll use “theater.”
People don’t agree on how theater started, but there are some interesting theories.
One idea is that theater came from religious rituals. Before the sixth or seventh century BCE, people used rituals to connect with the supernatural. Scholar Mircea Eliade said rituals re-enact important events, similar to theater.
In the late 1800s, scholars like James Frazer and the Cambridge Ritualists thought theater evolved from these rituals. They believed worship led to rituals, which created myths that turned into theater. However, this theory has been criticized for being too focused on European cultures.
Another theory, called functionalism, suggests that myths help explain the world. Bronislaw Malinowski, a functionalist, said myths justify how a community is organized. While this doesn’t directly explain theater, it suggests that early Greek plays, based on myths, explained social norms and events.
Other ideas suggest theater might have started with clowns who mocked leaders or from games and play. Aristotle talked about a “mimetic impulse,” meaning humans naturally want to imitate and pretend, which could have led to theater.
As we learn about theater’s history and importance, we’ll keep asking why theater matters. Poet Percy Bysshe Shelley said drama’s highest purpose is to teach us about our feelings and reactions.
In conclusion, theater is a fascinating and complex art form with deep roots and many interpretations. As we continue our journey through theater, we’ll discover its many layers and its impact on society and culture. Thanks for joining us, and we look forward to exploring more in future episodes.
Research the different theories about the origins of theater, such as the Ritualism Theory and Functionalism Theory. Create a presentation or a poster that explains each theory and provides examples of how these theories might be reflected in modern theater. Share your findings with the class.
Imagine you are an architect tasked with designing a new theater. Consider the different types of spaces where theater can occur, from large auditoriums to intimate home settings. Sketch your design and explain how it accommodates both performers and audiences. Think about how the space influences the performance.
Work in small groups to write a short script based on a myth or a story from your culture. Focus on how the story explains social norms or events, similar to early Greek plays. Once your script is ready, perform it for the class, considering the elements of theater discussed in the article.
Engage in a class debate about the spelling of “theater” versus “theatre.” Research the historical and cultural reasons behind each spelling. Present arguments for why one might be more appropriate than the other, considering the context of your own country or region.
Reflect on John Cage’s idea that “theater takes place all the time, wherever one is.” Spend a day observing your surroundings and note moments that could be considered theatrical. Write a journal entry describing these moments and discuss how they fit into the broader definition of theater.
Theater – A building or outdoor area where plays, films, or other performances are presented. – The new theater in town is hosting a series of Shakespearean plays this summer.
Performance – The act of presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment. – Her performance in the school play was so captivating that she received a standing ovation.
Rituals – Established or prescribed procedures for a religious or other rite. – In many cultures, rituals are performed before a theater production to bring good luck to the cast and crew.
Myths – Traditional stories, especially those concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, typically involving supernatural beings or events. – The play was based on ancient Greek myths and featured gods and heroes in its storyline.
Audience – The assembled spectators or listeners at a public event, such as a play, movie, concert, or meeting. – The audience was thrilled by the unexpected twist in the plot of the mystery drama.
Actors – People who perform in plays, movies, or television shows. – The actors rehearsed for weeks to perfect their roles for the upcoming performance.
Origins – The point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived. – The origins of theater can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was an integral part of cultural festivals.
Drama – A composition in prose or verse presenting in dialogue or pantomime a story involving conflict or contrast of character, especially one intended to be acted on the stage. – The drama club is putting on a production of “Romeo and Juliet” this semester.
Art – The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. – Theater is considered a form of art that combines acting, music, and visual design to tell a story.
Culture – The arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. – The festival celebrated the diverse culture of the region through music, dance, and theater performances.
