Meaning of Theater (What is, Concept and Definition)

What is Theater:

As theater is called the literary genre constituted by the set of dramatic works designed for representation on stage.

Etymologically, the word theater comes from the Greek θέατρον (theatron), which in turn derives θεᾶσθαι (theasthai), which means 'look'

Theater is part of the so-called performing arts, which combines the areas of acting , scenography, music, sound and spectacle.

On the other hand, theater is the name given to both the art and technique of the composition of plays, as well as their interpretation.For example: “ Manuel has dedicated the theater.”

Likewise, as a theater the set of all the dramatic productions of a town, period or author is known.In this way, we can talk about Roman theater, Elizabethan theater or theater de Beckett.

As a theater we also call a physical space, such as a building or a hall, intended for the representation of or Dramatic bras, as well as other types of shows.

Theater, in a figurative sense, designates the place where events of great relevance and transcendence occur: “Russia was the theater of the most important revolution of the century XX ".Also figuratively, the word theater can be used to refer to a feigned or exaggerated action:" Players do a lot of theater to admonish rivals."

Theater features

The Greek theater was characterized fundamentally because they were written in verse and the actors wore masks.The contemporary theater is characterized by transmitting to the public, through a staging, the desired concept.

In this way , the theater of today, covers techniques and knowledge of all the branches of the performing arts, such as the performance and the show, for example.

The theater has evolved with the different epochs and cultures.Today we can count multiple subgeneros, among which we can highlight: comedy, drama, puppet theater or guinol, opera, Chinese opera, musical, ballet, tragedy, tragicomedy, pantomime, theater of the absurd, etc.

Theater elements

The theater, as a branch of the performing arts, consists of a set of inseparable elements such as:

• The text , which is the composition written of the play, consisting of the dialogues and dimensions that define the story;
• The address , which is the coordination of the elements that make up the performance, from the performances to the scenery, the costumes, the decoration, the makeup, the music, the sound, the lighting, etc., and
• The acting , which is the way in which the actors they convey to the public the truth of each character.

Types of Theater

In the Greek theater two types of works were fundamentally represented:

• The tragedy , an unfortunate end play that dealt with themes of legends, and
• Comedy , which was about everyday life issues, which could include political issues that were satirized.

Theater history

The origin of the theater dates back to primitive man and his rituals associated with hunting, harvesting, death and birth, among others, that could include dances, imitations of animals, ceremonies of worship to the gods, etc.

However, it was in Ancient Greece when the Theater took the form we know today, with performances that included costumes, choreography, music and recitation to tell complex stories.

See also Features of a play.