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Why is theatre still important? There are not many other environments where people come together – performing or watching – which are collaborative to such a large extent. Especially nowadays, when our world is becoming ever more virtual and impersonal, being fully in the moment with a group of living and breathing people is more important than it ever has been before. Here are just five of many reasons, why we say, yes, theatre is still and always will be important.
When it comes to the importance of theatre in our lives, Oscar Wilde said it best: “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”
We’re shown humanity, collaboration, psychology, conflict, triumph, and trauma.
We as the audience get to witness life journeys or parts of stories which often are very familiar to us. We have experienced something similar. It has moved us greatly. Boosted or almost destroyed us.
Now we can watch and to an extent experience how others have imagined dealing with similar situations.
As artists, we put ourselves into emotional and intellectual situations that may never arise in our personal lives. Or we get to re-enact situations for others that we have lived through already. We get to inspire, make a difference.
How often do we find ourselves overwhelmed by life and we feel lonely, exposed to the elements, the experiences, and daily struggles?
We fight to overcome trauma and are often wondering, “Why is this happening to me?” In those moments we feel utterly alone and isolated from everyone around us.
The arts, music, literature, theatre, and everything else we see, hear, and feel on the creative spectrum reminds us that we are not by far as alone as we feel.
The arts remind us that others have gone through similar predicaments before and, like we most likely will do too, they have risen from the ashes and continued as a more mature, stronger version of themselves.
In theatre, we are not only sharing space and an experience with the artists who are performing. As a spectator, we are sharing the experience with fellow audience members as well.
Movies and television tell similar stories. Yet there is never any substitute for being there together in person. Nothing is stronger than the collaborative experience of creating and taking part in what has been created either on stage or in the auditorium.
Although the script may be the same every night, each performance is unique because it is based on the immediate humanity of the performers as well as the reacting audience.
You can watch the same play every night, yet each time, you will have a distinct and unique experience that can never be replicated.
Basically, theatre is life happening in front of our eyes. Following a given script, yet intricately human.
The interpretation of what is given subtly changing every night due to the human beings on stage subtly changing every single day as well.
Theatre gives us a chance to ask difficult questions. And almost as in a help group it gives us the chance to, in a relatively safe environment, have a discourse about whatever issues are brought to light. Each of us will think about what we hear and see.
Then, after the performance, what we have seen will provoke further thought and discussions. It is a most fruitful process.
Even if we don’t agree, there is something wholesome and healthy in coming all together to focus on a subject. We can listen to opposing views and widen our horizons.
A myriad of studies over the years have shown that students who participate in theatre do better in school.
Taking part in drama classes at school has significantly furthered the understanding of language and expression in students.
Furthermore, when theatre became an active part in their education, it allowed students to explore challenging social scenarios and vulnerable emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
Performances can help to develop empathy for the experiences of others and can offer guidance in how to best explore diverse perspectives.
Acting Studio Chicago “5 Reasons Why Theatre Is Still Important”
The Special Gifts Theatre in Northbrook, Illinois
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Liam Klenk was born in Central Europe and has since lived on four continents. Liam has always been engaged in creative pursuits, ranging from photography and graphic design, to writing short stories and poetry, to working in theatre and shows. In 2016, Liam published his first book and memoir, 'Paralian'.
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