Never been to the theatre?

Question

Should I go? Am I missing anything?

South Africa is not very big on theatre, what should I do?

Answer 1

Most of my students have said they were very thankful for their first theatre experience.

Answer 2

In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you I am an actor and playwright, so I do have a vested interest in getting people to the theatre.

That said, I do think there is something you can get there you can't get from movies. For one thing, the stories are more varied -- movies tend to make the happiest, or biggest, or loudest out of everything. Since they are stories told by pictures, they mostly just give everything over to you so all you have to do is watch.

Plays, on the other hand, are stories told in words, and you often have to pay more attention or think about what's happening. There are some smart movies that ask more of you, of course, and some less demanding plays.

You also get to share the experience -- not only with the other audience members, but the actors as well. You're there watching the actors work at a play; movies don't change, but a play can be slightly diferent from one performance to another. There will be a general level to all performances, but there will be differences because every day is different. Plus -- things go wrong all the time and you might be witness to it!

In movies, they get a chance to repeat filming until they get a "best" or "most desirable" take, and then edit around it to give the illusion of a complete performance. Live theatre is a more difficult skill overall, and lets you be the editor by choosing where you place your attention.

If you have the interest and try to meet it halfway, a play can be one of the most rewarding experiences. You may have to travel a bit, but I hope it's worth it if you do.

Answer 3

Oh, my god, yes, please go to see live theatre! Film is wonderful and TV is entertaining, but there is nothing like the experience of sitting in a darkened theatre and watching live people walking and talking and presenting wonderful plays.

I know nothing about the South Africa theatre scene, I'm afraid, but I'd suggest looking through your local newspaper, in the entertainment section. There must be some live theatre around - either a community theatre, or community college or university theatre. Even a church group might be putting on a show.

And this might sound obvious but, based on the behavior of many audience members in the States, remember that if you talk, the actors can hear you! They are real, live people, and it is rude to them and to the rest of the audience to talk during a performance. To say nothing of turning your cellphone off.

That being said, have a wonderful time!

Answer 4

You should absolutely go to the theatre if you have never been. There are so many different types of shows and musicals out there that you will find something that you like. Check out the area that you are in to see if they have a local professional regional theatre or if there is somewhere close that may offer showings of touring Broadway shows. Nothing like sitting in a dark theatre and being swept away.

Answer 5

you don't say where you live, but my friend bronwyn from jo'burg told me that some of alternative theatre she saw when she was at school there was some of the most exciting stuff she had ever been at.

theatre in general - but small theatre groups in particular - tends to be highly motivated people using the easiest way there is to put important points across.

comparing theatre with film is like comparing your best local restaurant with a mcdonalds. some people like bland sugary things which make you fat and pimply. but once you've tasted the real thing you won't go back there.

Answer 6

Absolutely, everyone must go to the theatre at least one time in their lives. There is nothing like a live performance

Answer 7

theatre is amazing

you are missing out on the amazing world of theatre.

it is better than movies in the since that there is a relationship between the characters and the audience,

plus there is so much great plays and muscials out there, that you MUST see!!

Answer 8

Just missing theatre!

You are not missing anything that is very important!!

Answer 9

Go check it out? Why not see what you're missing. There can be a very compelling connection between the artists and audience. Enjoy.

Answer 10

Hard question! I would definitely suggest you go but it's difficult, you don't want to go to something you won't be interested in or that will be a bad production for your first visit. Don't go to an amateur show to start with, and if there's something you like that you already know the story to I'd recommend that. Have fun!