Theater is a magic tool — I believe it is the most effective communicator of emotion. It moves you, striking particular personal chords. Theater also works as an aid, teaching us how to understand other people by resonating with them.
Watching UT’s rendition of Cabaret last semester only confirmed my suspicions. Everything in the production, from the flamboyant costumes to the outrageous choreography, was beautiful, fun and entertaining, despite the solemn historical context of the Nazi party in 1920s Berlin. One moment I’m gawking at the Cabaret dancers, quietly thinking how fun it would be to prance around on stage, the next moment, my heart is breaking for couples forced to part under the pressing regime.
Shaya Harris, an acting sophomore who starred as a lead role, emphasizes the unique ability of theatre to invoke emotions from the audience.
“There’s something so vulnerable about sitting there and watching this happen in real time,” Harris said. “If you’ve ever been in the theater and watched somebody have a cathartic breakdown… and just (acknowledged) the vulnerability of that actor on stage… you are kind of just immersing yourself in this experience.”
It’s not just a feeling. A 2021 study showed that people reported greater empathy for groups depicted in the plays, and their pro-social views shifted consistently with the plays’ themes.
“Live theater has been around for 2500 years, since the Greeks,” said associate professor of acting Lucien Douglas. “And I know, (given the) financial times, suddenly the audience attendance is a little bit lower, but if it’s been around for that long, then we’ve got every reason to hope that it will continue.”
Douglas underlines the power of collaborative expression between writers, designers, musicians, actors, choreographers and producers. This collaboration of people creates an emotional roller coaster to take the audience on as they identify with the different characters.
These creative partnerships are present in other artforms such as movies and radio music. But, the environment of live theater demands the audience’s attention, handing them responsibility. You as an audience member shouldn’t be glancing at your phone — you’re also being watched. Theater is an artform in which the audience is engulfed in the environment. They are part of the performance.
Theater can often be disregarded and viewed as an exclusive club, reserved for stereotypical “theater kids.” But, if you’ve ever been to the theatre, watched a play or performance of any kind, you’ve probably left feeling higher off the ground. While prices are rising, here at UT, students can see a show for less than $15. This is beyond a doubt the best quality of performance for price you can get.
I’ve seen shows in London’s West End and Broadway. I’ve also experienced the other end, having starred in badly-written student productions. But at UT, the level of theater is truly incredible and deserves focus. I urge you to embrace it while you can!
Slimmon is a history junior from London, England.
