According to the lecture, the mass media of history is the theatre as it has provided entertainment by way of telling stories that are usually a reflection or criticism of society. London is currently considered the theatre capital of the world and even during today’s hard economic times, ticket sales are up 5.5 %. That means that even if people face major cutbacks financially, the value for the arts remains as it provides people with a form of expression.
The theatre is a reflection of our culture and even in times as early as the Roman Empire, its importance was noticed. One of the major tactics the Romans used for the conquest of other civilizations was the use of culture as a weapon. They understood that if they made the enemies aspire to be like them then success came by a lot easier. Theatre serves as their secret weapon because it was a “weapon of mass distraction”. Its existence enabled them to create the right atmosphere to keep the people blinded from the actions of authority, allowing them to get away with murder, literally.
Whether it has been used for manipulation or a form of propaganda, the theatre has thrived and always revives. It is used in relation to all aspects of our lives whether it is politics to religion. Even as early as 597, under Augustin, the churches used theatre to enact mystery play In order to show Christ’s divinity. As a Human Development major, the theatre seems like the perfect place to get a true sense of what people think, feel and behavior because it is not inhibited by social pressures. Only here do you see true forms of self expression and the depiction of emotions and behaviors that people would be too afraid or ashamed to show. It is a breath of fresh air because it here you are able to see the true nature of human beings.
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