In theatre history, in order to pinpoint where theatre begins we must first define it. In the so-called 'worship wars' many people are seeking to redefine church. Here are a few observations about what is theatre and what shouldn't be theatre.
Theatre is: scripted. So is church; so is the news. No real contention here. God created order out of chaos.
Theatre is: entertainment. 90% of theatre is funded by and created for the wealthy, aging, white population. People who can afford it and have free time. Despite its claim to loftier goals. The church should do better than that.
Theatre is: done before a largely passive and anonymous audience. Church should call for active participation and actively participate with its members.
Theatre is: performance. If you have met an actor you understand that on some level they all have a need for attention. The church should not have narcissistic disorder.
Theatre is: emotional manipulation. Every detail is planned in order to get the audience to feel the way the director intends. Color effects emotion. Music creates mood. The Holy Spirit does not need moving lights to help it along.
Theatre is: expensive. And requires professionals. With a professional business model. The money-lenders need to stay out of the temple.
Theatre is: spectacle. It is difficult to come humbly before God at a rock concert.
Theatre is: play. Like political cartoons, theatre makes light of serious matters to make a point. The church should make serious what has been taken lightly.
Theatre is: Art. I like art, but Church is worship.
Theatre is: work. This is my job, and I don't want my job taking over the more sacred part of my week. This is one professional's opinion meant to promote reflection. Entertainment does not promote worship.
Theatre is: scripted. So is church; so is the news. No real contention here. God created order out of chaos.
Theatre is: entertainment. 90% of theatre is funded by and created for the wealthy, aging, white population. People who can afford it and have free time. Despite its claim to loftier goals. The church should do better than that.
Theatre is: done before a largely passive and anonymous audience. Church should call for active participation and actively participate with its members.
Theatre is: performance. If you have met an actor you understand that on some level they all have a need for attention. The church should not have narcissistic disorder.
Theatre is: emotional manipulation. Every detail is planned in order to get the audience to feel the way the director intends. Color effects emotion. Music creates mood. The Holy Spirit does not need moving lights to help it along.
Theatre is: expensive. And requires professionals. With a professional business model. The money-lenders need to stay out of the temple.
Theatre is: spectacle. It is difficult to come humbly before God at a rock concert.
Theatre is: play. Like political cartoons, theatre makes light of serious matters to make a point. The church should make serious what has been taken lightly.
Theatre is: Art. I like art, but Church is worship.
Theatre is: work. This is my job, and I don't want my job taking over the more sacred part of my week. This is one professional's opinion meant to promote reflection. Entertainment does not promote worship.
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