A History of the British Theatre—
British theatre has and currently continues to influence and impact the people of the United Kingdom as well as all over the world. Many people fail to realize that today’s modern media and entertainment was derived from British theatre, being that Stonehenge is still the oldest theatre where the Celts performed. Throughout the ages, theatre and the culture conveyed through it was used as entertainment, a weapon, and a way to tell a story. London is now considered the theatre capital of the world and is ranking in more money than that of cinemas. Regardless of economic “hard times”, crowds of people still rush in to see a live performance. Some say the theatre experience is a refuge from daily stresses and is a way for people to momentarily forget their troubles.
What I found to be interesting was the fact that theatre has a major influence on today’s society. Personally, I am not a great fan of live theatre, but I am a fan of the cinemas, which was derived from theatre. Furthermore, the way theatres were advertised years ago is now a major influence for the way it is advertised today with walls full of posters pinned up together. British theatre wasn’t only a form of entertainment but a way of getting a point across, which at times caused government to shut it down in order to prevent people from not following the system. Theatre continues to convey self-expression through the scripts and performances themselves. In my field of study psychology, it is encouraged to express thoughts, emotions, and individuality. At those times, performances were ways to express how they felt about government, societal norms, and daily life. Basically, I learned that many things we see in our daily lives are derived from theatre. Also, I was surprised to hear that theatre was a place where one’s social status was revealed, according to where a person sat during a play. There doesn’t seem to be a stop to the theatre culture, since it holds a high place in Britain’s history.
It was interesting going to the actual Globe theater and seeing where people actually sat. It's funny that the cheapest seats (for lower class) was standing admission area right infront of the stage- what today would be considered the most valuable seat. While the actually wealthy people where right above the stage where they couldn't see the play (only hear it) but were easily seen (i guess that being the point).
ReplyDeleteI know! I had no clue that social status could be seen by just attending a theatre back in the days. I wonder how it will be like in 100 years.
ReplyDelete