The History of Theatre

Each year, millions of people venture out to their Local and National theatre to enjoy a good performance. There is always something for everyone at the Theatre. At ORDT, we’re gearing up for South Pacific, a story about the pain of love, war and heartbreak. Other shows focus on the real life struggle of many individuals and what it takes to overcome those struggles. Some shows, such as Beauty & the Beast or Aladdin, bring our childhood fairy tales to life right in front our eyes. Whatever your preference may be, you’ll find something at the theatre.

For centuries, people have flocked to the theatre for many reasons. Sometimes, shows were performed in celebration for cultural deities, while others sought to find a good brawl on stage or a strong statement. Today, people travel everywhere to be entertained and awed. With such a long running and strong history, it’s safe to say that Live Theatre isn’t going anywhere.

Ghost of Theatre Past 

Live theatre has been around for a very long time. There is little information on the origin of theater, but many surviving wall carvings, hieroglyphics, artifacts and decorations are our clues to the past. From these, we can gather that performances were meant to entertain the culture, mourn the loss of others, or please the deities to whom they looked for help or guidance. Whether you were rich, poor, young or old: the theatre was a way for you to express yourself or live vicariously through those who did.

One example of this is Ancient Greek theatre. Greek theatres were built into the Hillside, where many seats were created for large audiences. Seating was built into the landscape and expanded for larger crowds. Early Greek theatres featured an orchestra or dancing floor, where many complex dance practices and movements were done. The chorus told their story or sang to the audience from a flat piece of earth near the stage. In some theories, it is stated that the main actors were placed on a raised platform. This was to show their distinction between the chorus and the main stage.

Off to the side of the stage was a skene, or a tent. The actors would use this tent as temporary dressing rooms as well as entrances and exits. The facade of the Temple of Dionysus, Greek God of Theatre, was built into the orchestral wall. Many performances were made to please the gods and to celebrate great victories of the Greeks. Boxing matches were held and singing and spoken word filled the theatre in celebration and praise for their gods.

You cannot discuss the history of the stage without mentioning one very important contributor to the Theatre world...William Shakespeare. Shakespeare has inked his name in history books and theatre text permanently. He is celebrated throughout the world as one of the best playwrights to ever exist, and his shows are still performed today. Some of these are done traditionally, while others are given a loose interpretation. However the portrayal goes, it’s safe to say that he is not going anywhere for a while.

Like Greek Theatre, Shakespeare’s performances did not consist of any backdrop or set design. His words and the actors’ performances inspired audiences to use their imagination to create the setting of the show and the scene behind the actors. People of all ages and social status would come out to see his performances. The poorer crowd, or groundlings, could pay a penny to stand on the ground in front of the stage, while the more rich and royal individuals paid as much as half a crown to lounge comfortably in covered boxes.

Performers often addressed the audience to narrate and to engage them. Their purpose was to make sure that the audience felt as though they were in on the action. Audience members reacted far differently than those of today. They were loud, fully invested and rambunctious; not at all quiet and focused. Groundlings would break out into fights over women, clothing or food. Lords and ladies lounged in the boxes above, while vendors walked about with fruit or nuts to sell. Despite the social differences, everyone came out to enjoy the show.

Theatre Today 

Today, millions of people flock to enjoy live theatre. Whether you are visiting your community theatre down the street or trekking to New York to enjoy a Broadway show, the interest is still present. Every year, people travel to the Big Apple to enjoy the newest debut or revisit the oldest classic.

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The Future of Live Theatre 

Today, Live Theatre productions show no signs of slowing down. Technology continues to make what feels like the impossible happen, in person, right before your eyes. Performers and Technical experts continue to intertwine their passion and education, resulting in beautiful productions that awe and shock the audience to no end. If you think you’ve seen it all, you are probably misinformed - it’s only just begun. Creativity doesn’t die, and as long as people continue to enjoy these performances, theatre will continue to live on.