1. The Origins of Theatre (Other Theories: Storytelling & Imitation)
Storytelling is another theory about the origins of theatre.
In this theory, relating and listening to stories is considered a fundamental human pleasure.
Stories are elaborated through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation.
Eventually roles are impersonated by different people.
Another theory is that theatre evolved out of imitation of animals or from dance and song.
Admiration for the performer’s skill & grace is considered the motivation to transform these activities into theatrical performances
Storytelling is another possible origin of theatre.
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2. The Origins of Theatre (Other Theories: Static vs Dynamic Society)
Another theory about the origin of theatre comes from the idea of static versus dynamic societies.
Some forces promote the status quo (static – staying the same)
Some forces promote change (dymanic – becoming different)
Societies can go through periods of being static or dynamic.
“Primitive” societies became static at an early stage of development
Some societies were very dynamic but then became static, such as ancient Egypt
Societies of western Europe emphasize change, so performance traditions are always in flux.
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3. The Origins of Theatre (Western Thought)
The dominant plot concerns the relationship between gods & humans.
The tension between the two groups is the source of dramatic conflict.
The roles of gods & humans vary from one time period and one group to another.
In a religious view, gods are supreme beings and humans are totally dependent on them.
In a humanistic view, humans have the power to manage their own affairs. 3
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4. The Origins of Theatre (Western Thought)
The Greeks were the first to give humans power within the conflict of gods vs. humans.
This became the dominant Western view.
After the Renaissance, this view was increasingly accepted.
In Western thought, the world is seen primarily from a human view:
It is a place of conflict, change, and progress.
Humanity is the principal agent for good AND evil.
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5. The Origins of Theatre (Eastern Thought)
Eastern (Asian) thought does not see a conflict between gods & humans.
People seek to rise above the limits of reality and achieve “oneness” with the mystery of being.
Although on the surface things seem ever-changing, underneath is a harmony so complete it defies attempts to define it.
In Eastern thought, the world order is fixed in place and all humans can do is try to become one with it.
To the traditional Eastern mind change and progress are illusions.
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Electronic media have spread the ideas of Western & Eastern thought and reduced the differences between them. 5