Reflections

There are so many different concepts of theatre around the world it is impossible to define the art with one solid description. My perception of what theatre is has been shaped, dictated and manipulated by my social and cultural experience here in America, and has directly affected my choices as an artist. Now, having been exposed to different cultures, I am able to compare and contrast the similarities and differences between my theatre experience and background, and other cultures, traditions, and theatrical practices. Being in this class and learning so much about other cultures has really opened my eyes and changed my feelings about American culture, my own personal background, and how they are directly interconnected. I have had a huge revelation about how much more theatre there is out there in the world, and how much more there is to learn. I also think one of the biggest lessons that I have grasped is that I really don’t know myself as well as I thought I did. Just reviewing my background and experiences, it seems like such a sheltered and selfish experience, it’s a wonder how I ever got this far. I have definitely learned to make my own standards, and not to pass judgment on others’ cultural standards, norms, or traditions. Theatre is a standard in itself; and with all its possibilities, it is an ever-changing, always evolving craft. "Whether it is the Follies on Broadway, the rigidity of Noh Theatre, or the sacredness of Yoruba tradition, I believe that as long as we are taking the steps to understand one another’s culture, theatre can be the chain that keeps us linked together in stride."