Guest Blog: Tired of Movies? See a Play Instead!
Please enjoy this guest blog post written by Emory Ujano:
In today’s day and age of having to choose between a romance, an action, or a funny movie that isn’t really that funny, sometimes going to a movie seems to be more of a chore than an intriguing experience. Seeing a live-action play where characters seem to be easier to connect to, as they are just a few steps away, can be a refreshing change to the usual screen time we get every day.
A great example of a well-performing theatre is the Blackfriar’s Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia. It is also an American Shakespeare Center that gives a fresh look on Richard III and As You Like It, while also giving modern takes on stories like Emma by Jane Austen. The interesting aspects of this theatre specifically are that it was built to replicate Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. This means that it is an arena-like stage that has keeps all the lights on. Seeing other audience members during the play allows for a community feel that only adds on to the experience. This also adds difficulty for the actors to produce a believability to the audience in terms of the special effects being used. This only makes these performers more impressive as flower petals fall from the ceiling and trees are made out of the columns right in front of your seat.
With even modern shows and musicals like Hamilton, Lion King, or Wicked, people still come together for a night of sophistication in the enjoyment of theatre. This drastically conflicts the pajama dressed individuals who hide their own snacks in their pockets at the movies, to a black tie occasion on Broadway. Therefore, mixing up the environment of entertainment that can only spice up your experience.
If the East Coast is a little out of range for your travels, local theatre can also bring an enriching adventure to your door. Traveling theatre comes through major cities that offer an array of shows for all the different tastes and preferences. If ticket prices are an issue, go to the local high school or college play! This is a small look at upcoming performers who might surprise you on the quality of acting they possess.
No matter the show, this form of art creates a timeless perspective on entertainment that stands in its own category. For centuries, the theatre has become not only a source of enjoyment but also has created a literal platform for actors to share their talents in telling you a story that can change your perspective, drag you through various emotions, and maybe even take you out of your life for a few hours.
As the acclaimed playwright, Thornton Wilder states, “I regard theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”
