The Secret Life of Theater

"What is the secret DNA of theatre? What makes it unique from its sister arts? Why was it invented? Why does it persist? And now, in such an advanced technological age, why do we still feel compelled to return to a mode of expression that was invented over two thousand years ago? These are some of the foundational questions that are asked in this study of theatre from its inception to today. The Secret Life of Theatre begins with a look at theatre's origins in Ancient Greece. Next, it moves on to examine the history and nature of theatre from Agamenon to Angels in America through theatre's use of stage directions, revealing the many unspoken languages that are employed to communicate with its audiences. Finally, it looks at theatre's ever shifting strategies of engendering fellow feeling through the use of emotion, allowing the form to become a rare space where one can feel a thought and think a feeling. In an age when many studies are concerned with the 'how' of theatre, this work returns us to theatre's essential 'why'. The Secret Life of Theatre suggests that by reframing the question, we can re-enchant this unique and ever-vital medium of expression"--