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01 Cultural Collaboration Theatre and Society

The document discusses different ways that theatre can function in society. It can serve as entertainment that reinforces social norms or values, or it can challenge social norms as art. Theatre can both entertain and challenge norms. It also explores how theatre relates to religion, socialization, politics, subversion, coercion, empowerment, cultural exploration, and social control. The document poses questions about these relationships and functions of theatre.

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chrimil
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272 views16 pages

01 Cultural Collaboration Theatre and Society

The document discusses different ways that theatre can function in society. It can serve as entertainment that reinforces social norms or values, or it can challenge social norms as art. Theatre can both entertain and challenge norms. It also explores how theatre relates to religion, socialization, politics, subversion, coercion, empowerment, cultural exploration, and social control. The document poses questions about these relationships and functions of theatre.

Uploaded by

chrimil
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Theatre as Entertainment

Stays in audience comfort zone Provides


A diversion An escape from reality Reinforcement of social values
Maintains the status quo.

Examples of play or films?


1

Theatre as Art
Challenges its audience Provides
A different look at life A focused version of reality

Examples of play or films?

Theatre as Art Can Also Be Entertaining

The Social Functions of Theatre


How does Theatre function within a society? Why? Does society need it?

Theatre and Religion


Theatrical nature of religious ritual Beginnings of theatre associated with religion

Theatre and Socialization


To teach and to please Appropriate behavior Moral values Acceptable life lessons
Do these always adhere to the status quo?
6

Theatre and Politics


Reinforce political status quo Celebrate national heroes Deliver propaganda
Advocate particular viewpoint

Offer patriotic support Examples of play or films?


7

Theatre and Subversion


Subvert status quo Offer forum for dissent Argue directly for change Challenge indirectly

How?
8

Theatre and Subversion


Theater of War2008NR95 minutes. Go behind the scenes of the Public Theater's 2006 production of Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage and Her Children, starring the legendary Meryl Streep and translated by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner. In addition to offering a rare window into Streep's process, the documentary also examines how Brecht's own tumultuous life experiences informed his remarkable play. Other interviewees include Streep's costar Kevin Kline. Cast:Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Tony Kushner, George C. Wolfe, Bertolt Brecht, Michael Izquierdo, Jeremy Lydic,Silvestre Rasuk 9 Genre:Social & Cultural Documentaries,

Theatre and Coercion


Use by repressive regimes
Examples: Nazi Germany Cultural Revolution in China Soviet Union

10

Theatre and Empowerment


Theatre as tool for
Healing Individual growth Facilitating group process Providing equal access See www.artslynx.org/heal

11

Theatre and Cultural Exploration


Double context:
Culture for which play was written Culture for which play is performed

Past comes alive in present Cultural meeting place


12

Theatre and Cultural Exploration


Transgressing cultural boundaries
Nontraditional casting
Actors play characters of a different race

13

Social Control of Theatre

14

Theatre and the Threat to Morality


Platos objections Early Christian leaders arguments Actors as social outcasts Theatre as a haven for difference

My favorite sign
15

Theatre Regulation
Attempts to regulate theatrical activity Censorship of plays
Dissident political statements Ideas considered dangerous to society

16

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