Theatre

Definition

Interestingly few of the standard “companions” or “dictionaries” to the theatre actually provide a definition for this the word Theatre (Teater in Afrikaans)or its companion, Drama. It appears to be accepted that everyone knows what is meant by it. Or at least knows and accepts the usual dictionary explantations of it. (“1: Open air edifice … for viewing of dramas or other spectacles” , 2: building for dramatic spectacles, playhouse.. , 3: Dramatic literature or art”). Perhaps another reason is the difficulty of pinning it down, for general use of the term to indicate some kind of performance venue or performance form in a specific kind of venue, utilizing performers, seems to display enormous regional differences in context and conventions – particularly in non-European contexts. (For example, see South African Theatre). Today however, the word theatre, in contrast to drama, tends to be used as a broad, non-specific term (eg. as it is used in the title to and body of this work), and refers to the entire cultural activity (everyone and everything involved in all the theatrical events – i.e. live stage performances done before audiences in order to amuse, instruct or as part of a ritual event). Thus “South African theatre” (see above) refers to all theatrical events or performances taking place in South Africa – formal, informal, traditional, African, European, musical, tragic comic, etc., and all aspects of it: management, artistic, technical and receptive processes and participants. (It is therefore inclusive of “drama” and “performance”). Similarly “British theatre” would to all such performances and events done in Britain, etc. It is however one of the (many) quirks of the English language also traditionally used in a more specific sense, to to refer to the building or space in which performances take place (as in The Market Theatre). Inevitably it is used in this way here as well, where the preferred term (venue) is inadequate or misleading or it appears in the name of a venue (the Market Theatre, the State Theatre).

Other terms used in South Africa

Toneel, Drama, Performance, Play, Production, Theatrical Event, Show, Concert .

Elements of the theatre as venue

Thie following basic elements or terms refer to the traditional European theatre venue as it manifested itself in South Africa in the past two centuries.

Costume

See also The wardrobe, Costume design, Costume designer, Costumier.

Lighting

See also Lighting design, Lighting designer , Lighting design in South Africa

Stage

See also Performance spaces

The Theatre as the name for a venue

Many theatre over the years, notably in the 18 and 19th centuries as well as 20th century theatre complexes , have simply been named "The Theatre" by locals and even in publications.

See for example The African Theatre,

However a few were actually named simply The Theatreor The Drama

The Theatre in Harrington Street, Cape Town

However Sefton Parry's theatre in Harrington Street, Cape Town was actually named The Theatre. Built in 18** by Sefton Parry?*, and simply called “The Theatre”. [Popularly referred to as “the Harrington Street Theatre”. ??**] *** Pantomime by Sefton Parry, 1857. **

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