THEA 2010 Lecture 6: Experiencing a play
Document Summary
The theatre is a group activity, designed to be experienced with a sea of strangers. Theatre artist has learned to manipulate their audience"s feeling, reaction, and thoughts. Possible because of: group dynamics, willing suspension of disbelief, aesthetic distance. The functions of humans when they come together into groups. More likely to react as a group. We willingly put aside our concerns about everyday reality and agree to accept the play"s particular quasi-reality, which communicates some perception about everyday life. Unwritten contract between the audience and performers. Emotions feel real but the audience agrees to suspend disbelief. Audience"s ability to remove themselves from a work of art just far enough so they can contemplate or just judge it. The audience can have a vicarious experience, feel empathy for characters, and be entertained. Very nature of the theatre encourages aesthetic distance. Tried to shatter traditional stage illusions and continually remind the audience they were in a theatre watching a performance.
