Connections to Empathy

Finding connections in theatre is essentially what makes theatre empathetic. As humans the way we interact and connect with each other is by similarities and differences we find in one another. When a play is relatable to the audience in a sense shows real life examples and solutions to what is actually going on in the community, then there is more room for empathy. We live in a time where we are the center of our own universe, take for example a selfie. The turn of the camera to capture yourself in any environment is what our generation and the next ones will be known for. By expanding our viewpoint and seeing others problems and success, we will be able to relate to one other. Through these relations it would be easier to have continuing dialogue and bring about a change, first in our own lives, then in the lives around us. There’s a point when theatre no longer evokes conversation and action, or even a desire for change, that I would see it not being the answer when faced with issues such as war, oppression, and genocide.

As for Invisible Theatre, I do see it as a successful way of getting people involved that otherwise would not be. Looking back at the last group’s experiment, there were many times I would get agitated and make conversation with the person next to me or desire to get up and shut certain people up (mainly Scott). Yet, I did not do the latter except vocalize towards his direction but did not make much of a difference. It got me involved but I wonder what something more would have received a stronger reaction from not just me but the rest of the class.