Why does Theatre History matter?

When studying and performing theatre, we can find ourselves being closed
minded and even oblivious to the original creation and concepts of theatre
styles we know and use today. This not only effects our own development and
performances, it impacts on our audience and the delivery of the
performance. It's crucial to look at the origins of theatre, and watch how
theatre progressed over the years to know not only the development and
differences over time but to define where theatre is at today, and as
performers see how we can progress theatre to continue the constant cycle
and development. I will begin at the origins of theatre and look at Greek
Theatre and plays, and discuss the importance of Greek tragedies and
comedies and the role of the Greek Chorus. Then I will continue to Roman
texts and theatre and discuss how theatre developed from Greek to Roman
plays and the impact it had on theatre both now and today. Then I will finalise
with Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre which brings us to more familiar work
such as Shakespeare- and discuss the influences he would have had, and the
influences he left for theatre today. To conclude I will compare these types of
theatre and discuss the impact they have all had on theatre today- proving
why theatre history does matter.

Starting Point
1. Key Points in the given question
Highlight key points and find out exactly what is being asked of you.
Researched and Referenced Appropriately
2. Read and evaluate the assessment criteria look to see what it
wants; it can only be marked from these criteria.
range of resources not just internet, books or plays
knowledge and understanding in cultural political and technical
contexts eg. Culture of Athens in Greek theatre religion, gods,
myths, slaves, theatre (weather), gender, traditions, sacrifice,
democracy.
Democracy- the emergence of democracy and tragedy was at
the same time. Making a link of a cultural and political
changes which was linked to theatre.
Technical contexts masks, scenery, skene. Crane introducing
god which solved problems in the performance area. Deus xex
machina (God of Machine)
demonstrating you have awareness of the practicalities of
technical parts of theatre.
Critical Skills judgemental skills. The way you have worked and
experience may have relevance. If youre working on a text now,
how has it affected you and how you are working now.
Reflective Practitioner is YOU.
List of possible points