Saintleo FAS110 Module 1 Discussion Latest 2018 January

FAS110 Living the Theatre

Module 1 Discussion

The Power of Theatre and Ritual in Society

The power of theater, storytelling and ritual has been a part of the human condition and experience since the beginning of recorded civilization and history. Even prior to recorded history, the human person must have utilized elements of emotional expression and personal experience (as both prey and predator) as a way to navigate the unknown to assure his or her survival.

Whether religious, cultural, spiritual or mythological, components of ritual and ceremony have permeated the human condition, thought and society. Theater was used to teach religion (The Mystery Plays/England) was a way to discuss the construct of Gods and the human condition (Greek Theatre) and has been a vehicle for cultural, political, religious and societal moral questions. Contemporary theater can simply be utilized as sheer entertainment, without any cultural, political, religious or moral motivation. Its objective is for an audience to simply and unabashedly have fun.

Having read Chapter I, and the other readings within this module, is theater still a necessary construct today? Within this technological age, where entertainment can be derived and obtained instantaneously from cellular devices, iPhones and iPads, etc., is theater still relevant and a necessary construct of the human experience and condition today? Why and/or why not? You can use any of the readings to assist you in the discussion or simply communicate your opinion from your own personal experience