Theatre and Religion
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Elisabeth's Entries
I started writing a reply to JC's comment on the 18th's entry, but it got too long, so here it is:

That is interesting about people studying with you thinking it doesn't matter if what they study is relevant or not. Because, I've often suspected that theatre and religion have a lot in common: why, didn't they actually emerge from the same thing?? Which was storytelling, dance, and worship of whatever spirits, ancestors, deity, or perceived greater being... As you know it was all one and the same, way back when. Then as things developed the spiritual element and the storytelling element split and developed into concrete forms (but then were joined together by God in a book called the Bible)...on come morality plays, pageants, guild theatres, real theatres, and still the Christmas pageants of today.

(Breathe in some air) All this to say that both the western theatre and Christianity are commonly thought to be irrelevant in this day and age of technology and science. But notice that I only accuse the western traditions of theatre and religion, as in specifically poorer countries, religion and theatre still function and are integral to the culture and society.

Some argue that religion/spirituality is necessary to be a well-rounded, complete person. That you can't experience the fullness of life without it. Theatre I don't think offers the same argument. But it's similar in that it can teach people how not to repeat mistakes, how not to fall into stereotypes, how to look critically at politics, and to be made aware of the personal cost of things. It should create awareness, and therefore a healthier society. So maybe where religion deals with the individual, theatre deals with the community. Only, Christianity has fought hard, tooth and nail to be in charge of community by 1) persecuting the theatre and 2) laying down rules and guidelines, which eventually have been discarded, because they are not healthy (relevant).

I would argue that spirituality and theatre are extremely relevant and necessary to contemporary life...to help ground individuals and to provide reflection on our fast-paced culture. Only, spirituality is commonly available in the form of religion, and theatre is commonly available in the form of commercial entertainment (and really, what is the difference between those two--both out to make you feel good, take your money for profit--while putting on a saintly face)...naughty elisabeth

So it is extremely irritating to hear that your classmates (who are in the higher tiers of education), do not think that it matters if something is relevant or not. Things should always be relevant, and things should always move with the times!

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So that's my rant for the day!

Stephen's in Basingstoke for more training, I'm sending applications, register with agencies, and more research on this play.

Finished reading a book called Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga. Semi-autobiographical about growing up in Rhodesia (Zimbabewe) and dealing with western culture interrupting the traditional (patriarchal) way of life. Very well written, and fast read. Now I've got the new Alice Munro short story collection: Runaway. Excellent. Every story is a gem, and always leaves you with a few minor mysteries to work out for yourself.

Anybody got some book recommendations?

Right...gotta go get the job papers...