The Importance of Theatre: Medium of Communication, Awareness, & Change

INTRODUCTION

Theatre has been described by many as a representation of life, a slice of life or imitation of life before an audience. It has been existed right from the creation of man (Wilson, 1994). Collaboratively, theatre works in the physical, emotional and mental well-being of a character in the field of art. The makeup, costume, lighting, sound dialogue, etc. share the basic elements of theatre. Theatre mirrors the societal issues that are past, present and future to be put on stage for a live performance. It is a face-to-face communication, with a potential for immediate feedback. It serves as entertainment, creates awareness, question authority and help to reason.

This essay discusses the importance of theatre, which is described as a representation of life that mirrors societal issues, brings about awareness, and helps to reason. The essay explains that drama is not just an imitation of action, but a tool for the demonstration of social conditions, an instrument of political and social change. Additionally, the essay states that theatre has played an important sociological and ideological role over the centuries and is demonstrated by the prevalence and variety of forms it takes both locally and globally in society today. The essay also mentions the different forms of theatre such as popular theatre, which is a tool for social transformation, and forum theatre, which explores issues of oppression, and it helps foster dialogue and to generate ideas and possibilities for the future. Therefore, this essay on the importance of theatre highlights how it serves as a medium of communication, creates awareness, and contributes to social change.

DRAMA

The word drama comes from the Greek verb ‘dran’ meaning ‘to act’ or ‘to perform’. Aristotle a Greek philosopher defines drama as an imitation of an action. He links it to the mimetic impulse in human beings like children playing father and mother in a childhood play.

However, Betolt Brecht insists that drama is not just an imitation of action, but a tool for the demonstration of social conditions. It is not just entertainment but an instrument of political and social change. Drama can therefore be explained as a representation of life, re-enacted to articulate reality through impersonation.

Drama emerged in ancient times. In the Greek world, drama was part of their lives, something intimate, frequent, and inseparable. Drama and drama festivals were facilitated with state recognition and were sponsored by the rulers of the city-states, encouraging the citizens to participate in them. During such an ancient time, with communication modes being so limited, it was drama that played an effective role as a mode of communication to the citizens of the ancient Greek world.

Drama in the 19th and 20th centuries brought about new evolutions. The likes of Henrik Ibsen, Karl Max, Betolt Brecht, and other influences brought about modern drama. Realism, naturalism, expressionism, Epic theatre, and other ‘isms’ contributed to the development of Modern Drama. In Theatre for Development, the stage is a found space that an action is performed in a theatre in a round. The actor's actions, characterization, costumes, makeup, and dialogue bring about an understanding of the play. The stage is not elaborate but rather a symbolic stage that actions are performed through. The basic principles given by characters, actions, and dialogues can be given to the audience to bring out the ‘characters and audience participation’. This act brings about collaboration and the presence of the audience in the performance stage.

DANCE

Dance may be simply described as ordered bodily movement, usually performed to music. Apart from its physical aspect, the rhythmic movements, steps and gestures of dance express a sentiment or mood or illustrate a specific event or daily act.

According to (The Oxford Handbook of Dance and Theatre), dance is an extended expression of language, that exemplifies the collaboration between choreographers and writers.

In Ghanaian society, traditional dances are used to greet gods and spirits, tell a story or legend, or simply as social recreation. These ceremonial dances may occur at funerals, celebrations, important historical dates, and festivals. Examples of Ghanaian traditional dances are: ‘Apatampa’ dance a popular recreational dance from the Fantes in the central region, ‘Adzogbo’ dance a war dance among the Ewe people in the Volta Region, ‘Adowa’ dance by the Ashanti, ‘Kpanlogo’ a recreational dance among the Ga-Adangbe people of Greater Accra, etc.

FORMS OF THEATRE

The importance of theatre is demonstrated by the prevalence and variety of forms it takes both locally and globally in society today. Indeed, over the centuries, the theatre has played an important sociological and ideological role. It has been used both by communities and elites to propagate and spread ideas for the consolidation of society (Morality plays), for social improvement (Neo-Classical plays) as well as instigating and promoting revolutionary ideas (Brechtian Theatre). (Caoimhghin, 2019)

POPULAR THEATRE

The popular theatre also known as participatory theatre, community theatre, protest theatre, action theatre, and theatre for social change uses theatre as a tool for social transformation It typically involves the ‘audience’ as participants in the story-telling rely heavily on improvisation, and invites groups to explore attitudes and social problems and imagine a range of potential solutions. All opinions are welcome, questioning is vital, and critical analysis is encouraged. It often serves as the entry point into the larger conversation about life circumstances, injustice, and, ultimately, justice. (Intergroup Resources, 2012)

FORUM THEATRE

Forum theatre is a type of theatrical performance that explores issues of oppression, and most commonly the subjects and storylines originate from the real experience of the community members, during a series of workshops and rehearsals.

In forum theatre, it helps foster dialogue and to generate ideas and possibilities for the future. This type of Theatre gives room for the audience to bring out their experiences and possible solutions to issues been discussed.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the theatre has been a vital part of society since ancient times and serves as a representation of life that mirrors societal issues creates awareness, and helps to reason. While drama emerged as an imitation of action, it has since become a tool for demonstrating social conditions and encouraging political and social change. Dance, on the other hand, is an extended expression of language, with traditional dances being an important part of many cultures, used to tell stories, and as social recreation. Different forms of theatre, such as popular theatre and forum theatre, have emerged to address social issues and bring about social transformation. The prevalence and variety of forms of theatre demonstrate its importance in society as a tool for communication, creating awareness, and contributing to social change.