Designed by Michael Rasbury Works Cited Barranger Milly
Designed by Michael Rasbury Works Cited: Barranger, Milly. Theatre- A Way of Seeing. 5 th 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 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 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 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
Theatre. Why? 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. CLICK FOR MORE INFO 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 theatrical event.
Designed by Michael Rasbury Works Cited: Barranger, Milly. Theatre- A Way of Seeing. 5 th edition. Chapter 1, Thomson Learning, Inc. , 2002. 1 DISCOVERING THEATRE
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