Shakespeare wrote that “All the world's a stage...” Although we may not realize it, theater is all around us and has shaped societies and cultures around the globe. Theater especially flourished in Britain, where influence from the Romans and Normans introduced drama and plays, commonly featuring peasants and the lower class. Unlike subsidized productions on television, the theater cannot be censored and has been known to feature some very controversial performances. Ever since ancient times, it has been an arena for subjects that may be offensive or taboo to some. Although the performances themselves have changed throughout time (from actual murders and chariot races to the Jerry Springer play) the theater has consistently been a place where people can have their voices heard, and culture formed.
In the West End of London alone, there are 41,000 jobs that depend on the theater. In London, there are 142 performances a week, 8 of them Shakespearean. Shakespeare, of course one of the best known and well loved playwrights of the world, was monumental for numerous reasons, a couple being for his great contribution to the English language, and to Britain's national identity. One of the things that I found most interesting today in lecture was the bit about just how many words Shakespeare invented, and how great his contribution was (no sandwiches? Or weekends? Horrible!). I also loved realizing the double meanings of words that Shakespeare may have been using in his plays when you just listened to them, and didn't read them.
As a Liberal Studies major, I am a future educator, prospectively for K-5 students and special needs students. Thinking and reflecting back on what I have learned and seen today, I think that it is important, almost vital, to pass on our knowledge of the theater to our children. In a way, learning about the importance of the theater is another step in culturing cultural empathy. It helps students (and us) become better at stepping into another society's shoes and along the way, we may find that we enjoy it ourselves.
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DOUBLE MEANINGS, INDEED. TRY READING ALOUD, ANY OF JULIET'S SPEECHES IN ROMEO AND JULIET. I DOUBT IF ROMEO COULD EVER KEEP UP WITH THAT GIRL.Notice here, also, the large groups of students attending the theatre. I know some groups in Los Angeles are trying. A classical repertory group in Glendale called Noise Within, has large student groups to all their performances. Another group, the Actors Gang (Tim Robbins group) teaches writing and acting classes at Culver City High School.
ReplyDeletegreat summary! I also thought it was interesting how Shakespeare invented so many words that we use every week if not everyday and probably the majority of the English speaking population do not know it.
ReplyDeletegood point too on theatre and culture. It definitely does help you understand another's culture better.
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ReplyDeleteThe theatre has played a vital role in the creation of culture, as you mentioned, because it covers soo many controversial and taboo subjects. Whether one believes that those ideas, beliefs or behaviors are right or wrong, it acknowledges its existence. I think that is very important because it provides and outlet for expression. I like that you mentioned the immense contributions Shakespeare has made to the english language, especially his play on words. The man was a genius!
ReplyDeleteGreat post roomie! I didn't notice just how controversial so many plays were until learning about some of them in our English class. I agree, theatre needs to be passed on, like all forms of artwork, in schools so people have a way of expressing themselves. It is a wonderful way to tell a story and more importantly send a message to an audience!
ReplyDeleteThe theatre has played a vital role in the creation of culture, as you mentioned, because it covers soo many controversial and taboo subjects. Whether one believes that those ideas, beliefs or behaviors are right or wrong, it acknowledges its existence. I think that is very important because it provides and outlet for expression. I like that you mentioned the immense contributions Shakespeare has made to the english language, especially his play on words. The man was a genius!
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