Why do we need theatre?

My name is Renee, and I am studying Drama as part of the HSC. For my individual project in this subject, I will be doing a research report, which will focus on the research of theatre itself, and on the question "Why do we need theatre?"I was wondering anyone would be interested in answering some questions, as I am looking at gaining a broad perspective, from a range of people, in a range of fields. These questions would include:
What is theatre?

What is it's purpose?

What do we value about theatre?

How is it affected by film and TV?

Is Film and TV a form of theatre? Why or why not?

Is sport theatre? How does this effect live theatre?

How is theatre surviving in the 21st Century?

How do you get more people to see it?

If there is anyone out there who'd be interested in answering these questions, I'd really appreciate it!!

Thanks!

P.S. You can be completley honest - I'd really like to know what you think!

I am going to attemt to give my views and answer these questions very breifly indeed:

What is theatre?

'To me, theatre is the art of presenting art and/or a production of an event'

What is it's purpose?

'To enlighten us, entertain, , educate and present (apart from employing a few odd people here and there)'

What do we value about theatre?

'We should value the people who are involved and value it's heritage, value its potential to educate people and make this world a less serious one!'

How is it affected by film and TV?

'Difficult question. You could ask, how is Film and TV affected by Theatre?. But you didn't. So i would say, in current terms, each influences the other' The one thing it has done perhaps, is detract people somewhat from going to see LIVE theatre, an opting for a special affects extravaganza instead.

Is Film and TV a form of theatre? Why or why not?

'Yes...i would say so. But not LIVE theatre. That is the difference. Recently, Moulin Rouge has shown us theatre within film - but of course , it had been recorded and is not LIVE'

Is sport theatre? How does this effect live theatre?

'Depends on the sport and the occasion. Look at American Wrestling - that is theatre (albeit dodgy theatre), but the english premier leauge - is that theatre? - well, some would say yes with the things that happen!'. But is it theatre in the traditional sense, i would say no.

How is theatre surviving in the 21st Century?

'Not too bad i think. It does get its fair share of publicity but - only it seems these days if s hollywood star takes the leading role. At least it is surviving, and lets hope forever. I mean, look at us guys - we love it!'

How do you get more people to see it?

'Apart from putting Elle Macpherson or Jerry Hall in a nude role?. Good question. People will go see theatre if they want to. People who want to be entertained, who enjoy a laugh and want to be edcuated. How do u get people to go see it - lets just stick with putting Elle Macpherson in the nude roles!'

Well - hope this has helped!

BIG AL
P.S - Make sure you see AMADEUS by Peter Schaffer @ The Kalamunda Performing ARTS centre in Mid July - keep your eye on the 'whats on' section for details. There is no nude role for Elle Macpherson - but you should come and see it if you want to see a fantastic play.

Renee,

You brave impetuous soul you!! This must be one of the most problematic questions you could ask- not so much for the nature of the question itself, more for the nature of the people who can answer it.

I trust you took great interest in the recent broadcast of Richard Eyre's quite marvellous "Changing Stages" programme on the good ol' penniless ABC recently. It may have answered some of your questions with great eloquence.

So...
What is theatre?

To me, theatre is the presentation/depiction/reenactment/foretelling of a precise moment of real time.

What is it's purpose?

Principally, to entertain. But on a deeper level, to mirror who we as a culture are/were/will be.

What do we value about theatre?

Its absolute reality. Everything onstage happens in front of the audience in REAL TIME, with REAL PEOPLE sweating REAL SWEAT.

How is it affected by film and TV?

Its market share is significantly reduced.

Is Film and TV a form of theatre? Why or why not?

A crude form- but one may argue that there is no PURE form of theatre left.

Is sport theatre?

No. A live game of any sport does not last past its first and only "performance". Theatre extends itself for as long as the play is performed- by other players. No FA Cup final will ever be re-created in tribute to the original. But a play can exist for as long as people wish to bring it to life.

How is theatre surviving in the 21st Century?

With great difficulty.

How do you get more people to see it?

Gunpoint to be honest. The "public" will hopefully see that theatre is not a museum of literature relics, and that it does live and breathe with its audience. But for this we need NEW WORKS that actually SPEAK to their prospective audience, not Govt-funded arty-wanky TRIPE that speaks to the minority of cretins who'd pay money to witness the 458th revival of "The Sound of Music on Ice- now with added Disney characters".

But that is an issue unto itself...

Regards,

Eliot.

ps- I agree with BIG AL; Go see Blak Yak's "Amadeus" at KPAC. But hten, I am biased....

Renee,

I am currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Education at Edith Cowan. My major areas of teaching are Drama and Media.

If you would like an excellent perspective on the arts including drama, media, dance and visual arts I strongly suggest you take a look at the WA Curriculum Council documents we must study as part of our course.

These documents including arts in community, arts and communication, arts and values, arts creativity and satisfaction and arts and life skills.

It then goes on to link these to four arts strands or student outcome statements which form the basis of our teaching.

Visit www.curriculum.wa.edu.au and click on publications and then curriculum framework. There you will see a pdf document titled "Learning area statement for the arts" download this file.

This should give you some good foundation knowledge into why we have drama and theatre.

Good luck.

Cory.

Here we go..........

listen to Eliot ramble on AGIAN.....(Shut up El!)

come to Amadeus and see me curtsey! come to Amadeus and listen to Eliot speak! Come to Amadeus and see Salieri slowly kill Mozart!

Yaaaawwwwnnnnnnnnn.

Amanda

Eliot, Contact me please.
Hope to talk to you soon.

TROY.....

What is theatre?
A fish bowl with people in. By selectively learning to enjoy and appreciate the various pieces presented, we can choose to be entertained, questioned, threatened or challenged, all within the safe realisation that " It is not real" - or is it...

What is it's purpose?
To stimulate and enthuse audience members into reacting with it.
To make the Government an aweful lot of moneyÂ…. - Get Art-Facts from the Aussi Council, it is great readingÂ…

What do we value about theatre?
Not enough. Although it acts as an incubator for all of the film and television talent in the world ( Pam Anderson aside) it has lost it's place as one of modern day Australia's primary leisure time activities.

How is it affected by film and TV?
I believe that they have a symbiotic relationship, however the balance is critical and may well be moving in the wrong direction.

Is Film and TV a form of theatre? Why or why not?
Yes due to the answer to the first question.

Is sport theatre? How does this effect live theatre?
No, sport is a competative process, not a philosophical or experiential entity.

How is theatre surviving in the 21st Century?
By being very commercial at the top end of town and very exciting and daring with the small productions.

How do you get more people to see it?
Market the experience. As Bill Mason used to say " Everyone sells sausages, the trick is to sell the sizzle." This is true and by encouraging people to participate in large scale shows and small adventurous stuff, it will survive, if in a modified form.