Prompt #6

With the development of other artistic mediums including technology, there may be a “danger” of losing theatre as an artistic expression. However, I do not think we ever will. There are so many reasons that traditional theatre has stuck around for as long as it has. For example, many theatre practitioners are familiar with the work of Shakespeare. His work appeals to such a large variety of people, audience members and artists alike, so it still creates human connections when it is performed. Audiences enjoy taking part in the tradition that is, “a night at the theatre.” Experientially, film is a very different experience. You walk into the theatre, sit down, watch the film, and leave. In theatre, there is the experience of interacting with those around you and the actors onstage during the viewing process. Nothing technological will every completely replace humans, in one room, connecting over the art that is occurring onstage. Although film creates the ability to view from different perspectives, people are often much more fulfilled absorbing each other’s energies in a room, which is why theatre will stay strong.

In this technological era, it is nearly impossible to experience current events or personal happenings without the influence of the media, specifically social media. One example of this is the announcement that Highland Coffees was slated to close. I was on facebook on my phone, mindlessly scrolling, when I noticed a headline one of my friends had shared. The article was companied with a raging rant against Hank Saurage, the property manager. In addition to being sad about my favorite coffee shop’s potential end, I was also automatically extremely angry by virtue of the fact that my friend who posted it was extremely angry. On the one hand, it was a very impersonal way to find out about something so personal. On the other hand, media actually benefitted the situation because the people of Baton Rouge were given time to stand up and fight for something that holds a special place in their hearts. The problem is that media takes issues that are very emotional or intense, and makes them impersonal. Art and theatre are making the effort to bring back the emotion and intensity. Part of the reason that I love going to shows or art galleries so much is because of how in tune with my emotions it makes me feel. The growing of technology and media pushes people towards art forms, because it causes them to have to search for some truthful human connection/emotion.