Chapter 1 introduction to Theater Baylor University

skill

Greek word techne

drama

greek work dran tells a story

art

root as artifical

art is not a real thing

it is a human creative endeavor

conflict

key for movement of the story

values

principles or standards considered worthwhile or desirable

art involves both

subject & medium

spatial arts

architecture and sculpture

Literary arts

Poetry

Novels

Short stories

pictorial arts

Arts, such as drawing and painting, created by applying line and color to two-dimensional surfaces.

performing arts

music, dance, theatre -anything performed by a person

Politics of art

at the core of every artist is a political individual who states an opinion that may challenge an audience's values and shatter their perceptions

Art vs. Entertainment

art

made by people

requires active viewing

is about self examination

potential as an agent of social change

challenges the audience

edification, transcendence, contemplation

does not compromise for public taste

entertainment

reaffirms our pov

targets largest possible number of people

makes few intellectual demands on the viewer

may examine life but does not lead to criticism

little potential as a agent of social change

is about gratification indulgence escape

theatre

theatron, seeing place person watching , walk across place

Commercial Theatre

offer safe themes, plenty of laughs, and spectacle designed to appeal to a majority of people, thereby filling lots of seats and ideally making lots of money

Historical Theatre

presents dramas that use the styles, themes, and staging of plays of a particular historical period

Political Theatre

allows playwrights, directors, and actors to express their personal opinions about current issues, trends, and politics

experimental theatre

It might break down barriers by eliminating the distance between actor and audience, trying out new staging techniques, or even questioning the nature of theatre itself

cultural theatre

designed to support the heritage, customs, and point of view of a particular people, religion, class, country, or community