Theatre History The Origin of Western Theatre Part I: Introduction

Theatre is Life A wide range of human activities contain theatrical components. Imitation, role playing, storytelling, many forms of entertainment, and numerous ceremonies and rituals.

Imitation, role playing, and storytelling Role playing and imitation have a theatrical component: People assume roles such as doctor, lawyer, salesperson, teacher, and student. Playing these roles require people to adopt the behaviors required by their society. This involves aspects of acting. Storytelling is an everyday activity found in cultures throughout the world. Learn to tell a story! Learn to tell a story

Popular Entertainment Certain types of group activities with a strong theatrical component are referred to as popular entertainment. Singing, dancing, pantomime, juggling, magic, acrobatics, and dramatic sketches. Students: Remember to define pantomime Students: Remember to define pantomime

Ceremonies and Rituals A ceremony is a formal religious or social occasion, usually led by an authority figure such as a priest, or chief. Some examples might be a graduation, an inauguration, and a marriage. A ritual is the acting out of an established procedure. Examples would include family events like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

When or where did theatre emerge, or begin? No one knows! Some argue that it began in Greece in the fifth century B.C.; others say in India in the fourth century A.D.; again in the Middle Ages. Some scholars argue that theatre emerged from religious ceremonies and others suggest it emerged out of storytelling. The purpose of studying theatre history is not to settle the disputes, rather to study the art form once it becomes established.

Elements of Theatre Playing Space Audience Performers Visual elements Human subject matter Human subject matter Dramatic structure Coordination of all of the above

A Playing Space A place where people can come together to watch a performance. As you study each era of theatre, ask: What was the relationship between performers and audiences in theses spaces? How large were the spaces? Where was the audience? Permanent or temporary?

The Audience Unlike some arts - such as literature or painting - theatre requires more than a single person. It is a communal experience for the audience, this coming together is an essential element of theatre.

The Performers The other 1/2 of the actor-audience equation. Performance is the essence of theatre. Remember to ask as you continue to explore theatre history: What was the style of acting in a given historical period?

Visual Elements Scenery, lighting, and costumes. Scenery may be simple, or elaborate. As you explore keep in mind: What materials were used? What functions did they serve?

Human Subject Matter Theatre is always human-centered. Their problems, joys, fears, foolishness, and aspirations.

Dramatic Structure Dramatic Structure may take several forms and they have evolved over the years. Whatever the structure, it will be a recognized pattern, a framework for some story of human adventures. Students: Be able to identify and explain all the elements of dramatic structure.