by Gary Stevens

Created on: June 06, 2008

Asking the question, "Should theatre should be socially motivated?" must necessarily require a definition of "socially motivated". Is the term "social" being used to refer to the gathering of individuals for a special occasion? If the answer is "yes", the question is ludicrous. It is impossible to have a play, without an audience, a group of individuals who have come together to be entertained, informed, or encouraged; thus, the very purpose of the writing and production of a drama is motivated by the need to present it to a social gathering. End of discussion.

If, however, by the term "socially motivated" one means encouraging thoughtfulness about an aspect of society's mores or belief systems - the question is equally absurd. From its inception, the purpose of theatre has been to present an antithesis to current modes of thought. A new way of looking at what the author perceives as an old problem, a new problem which has just been revealed. After all, theatre is merely the action arm of literature, and the purpose of literature is to present a point of view, a way of looking at a problem or situation which affects individuals or society from a slightly different perspective. From the tragedies of Sophocles through the drawing room comedies of Molier or Wilder; William Shakespeare to Tennessee Williams, and beyond, the underlying purpose of every great playwright, has been to help the audience get outside its comfort zone. To acquire an appreciation for the strengths of others, or to learn a tolerance for their weaknesses, is not only the purpose, but the duty of theatre. Aristotle listed in his guidelines for drama, Poetics, a term known as Catharsis. Catharsis, briefly, is the experience of a sudden climax that provokes feelings of great sorrow, pity, laughter or any other extreme change in emotion, resulting in restoration, renewal and revitalization in members of the audience. Of all the elements contained in a good drama, this is the key to the fulfillment of the playwright's purpose. "Have I been personally enriched in some way, great or small, for having seen this play?" is the defining question every audience member should ask himself. If the answer is "Yes.", then your time has been well spent. Should theatre be a socially motivating force? The question might better be, "How can it not function in that role, and still maintain its integrity as an art form worthy of the name?"

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