Theatre

Also written Theater in the American convention, but this encyclopaedia uses the traditional British spelling. (See "Language and Style" under Basic Principles of Editing and Using ESAT[1] )

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. (E.g. “1: Open air edifice … for viewing of dramas or other spectacles” , 2: building for dramatic spectacles, playhouse.. , 3: Dramatic literature or art”).

Perhaps the first reason for this difficulty in pinning its general meaning is the fact that the may refer to two distinct, though related, matters:

(1) A theatre can refer to some kind of physical space or structure, i.e. a space set aside for dramatic or theatrical performance. Often also referred to as a Venue, particularly in the case of non-dramatic events and performances, and at festivals. This is the simplest of the the uses, and perhaps and most straightforward of the meanings, and seldom gives problems - excedpt perhaps in countries where the notion of theatremaking and performance as an art form are themselves alien concepts. (See African Theatre)

(2) Theatre can however also refer to a specific kind of human activity that takes place in such a vednue (i.e. a performance or event in a specifically designated space or venue, utilizing performers)

In addition to this fundamental issue, there is also the fact that the second meaning in particular can and does seems to display enormous regional and even national differences in context and conventions – particularly in non-European contexts. (For example, see South African Theatre) and African Theatre).

Today however, the word theatre as the name for an activity or art form, 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. **

Return to

Return to South African Theatre Terminology and Thematic Entries

Return to South African Theatre Venues, Companies, Societies, etc

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page