Theatre, On The Verge Of Extinction?

Save theatre, save the culture and obviously, save the voice.

If we turn over the pages of the history of Theatre we find that it came into being 2500 years ago in Greece. It was created mainly for the entertainment of people. There used to be a huge open platform and lots of public gathered around to watch them. They would wear various costumes, masks to express their characters. As it was an open platform and performed in front of a huge gathering, they had to mime in an exaggerated way. Theatre spread its wings and with the development of it, we saw a drastic change.

As we were digging deep to complex human nature, theatre also had to come in a new way. Some started to diagnose it and found a new meaning of theatre. Many dramatists, playwrights, theatre practitioners, artists, performers, directors had originated from the theatre. The concept of the fourth wall was made. Theatre practitioner found a new method to show their work.

Before the advent of television, the theatre was a very popular medium to entertain or teach people. But the increasing popularity of TV devoured the sublimity of theatre and made it ostracize or limited its barrier to some people. They got to be accustomed to the television and literally embraced the medium. Theatre workers had to find another way to express themselves. They also started to appoint themselves with television. Artists had broken themselves into parts. Some stayed as an active worker and some found other jobs. A deep emptiness had to be created then. Theatre is now on the verge of extinction. There are a few people who take it seriously. They are called theatre lovers. There is a question mark on the theatres future. Is it being abolished?

As Ramakrishna said, “Theatre gives lessons”.

But shall we find a new meaning of theatre? Can we give it a new life?